Word Definitions Shifting
I do have a pet peeve. Well, there’s probably more than one topic I could go on about, but lately something is really annoying me. It seems word definition is shifting, too quickly, these days. Take the recent stir caused with Kevin Rudd and the definition of binge drinking in dispute.
Dictionary.com defines the word binge as “a period or bout, usually brief, of excessive indulgence, as in eating, drinking alcoholic beverages, etc.; spree.” For me, a non-drinker, four beers does not constitute a binge. Not that I agree with the idea of binge drinking, either. This is only one example of word definitions shifting.
I understand that words lose their meanings over time and gain newer definitions as society changes, but I get edgy when people in authority radically shift definitions using medical experts to back them up. There are other words being publicly assigned new meanings, but this just really got me going in conversation with friends recently.
What word changes/definitions get you riled? Spend some time writing in your journal about these words. What do they really mean? What do they mean to you? Why does this bother you? Perhaps print these words or find them in magazine headlines and make a collage expressing your feelings about them. I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.
Heather
Photo used with permission from Newscom
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Journal Writing Prompts
0 opinions for Word Definitions Shifting
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: