Originally Posted By: Byron Dickens
That's not what you said.


In fact that was exactly what I said. You are misconstruing "... first said ..." to include an additional meaning of immutable.

There is, however, an additional important layer of meaning discussed in this thread to encompass considerations falling generally under the rubric of 'political correctness.'

Irrespective of ones views in such debate, the 'cancellation' of a word in social discourse has nothing to do with the meaning of the word per se. It is simply that some would censor the word due to disaffection for that meaning ... even if that disaffection reflects a subjective interpretation as defined by the objectors.

The options appear to be 'shut your mouth' or embrace the Tower of Babel, hoping something you said today doesn't turn out tomorrow to bite you in the donkey.

The creation of new complexities in social life and technical knowledge in the vastly expanding world population constantly gives occasion to either borrow an old word for a new application or come up with a new word. Regardless, old words still carry their meanings despite evolving nuance and context.

Help! I've fallen up and can't get down!