Being a writer, I like to be precise, but language mutates so rapidly that it's hard to keep up (my favorite example: "inflammable", which now means the opposite of what it used to).
Add to this that I live with a guy who misuses words constantly--probably due to his dyslexia, rwx theorizes and I'm inclined to agree, as it's definitely not lack of intelligence--and I'm often tempted to throw the towel off the bridge.
The French word that I was taught meant "to kiss" in second grade now means "to fuck". Prior to this, there was no direct translation, which has always amused me. (On the other hand, French has two different words for "lover", depending on the nature of the relationship.)
no subject
Date: 2003-03-04 09:34 am (UTC)Add to this that I live with a guy who misuses words constantly--probably due to his dyslexia, rwx theorizes and I'm inclined to agree, as it's definitely not lack of intelligence--and I'm often tempted to throw the towel off the bridge.
The French word that I was taught meant "to kiss" in second grade now means "to fuck". Prior to this, there was no direct translation, which has always amused me. (On the other hand, French has two different words for "lover", depending on the nature of the relationship.)