Klarinet Archive - Posting 000028.txt from 2002/10

From: Oliver Seely <oseely@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] The meaning of words changes over time
Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2002 14:30:00 -0400

I'm not convinced that "purist" is perceived in a pejorative fashion. It
may be misused to be sure. The expression "excessively opinionated" would
be broader and perhaps more fitting. Here are the first two definitions of
purist in the OED: -- Oliver

1. One who aims at, affects, or insists on scrupulous or excessive purity,
esp. in language or style; a stickler for purity or correctness.

2. One who maintained that the New Testament was written in pure Greek.

At 09:15 AM 10/1/2002 -0700, Dan wrote, in part:

>A "purist" is perceived in a pejorative fashion, even when unintended. I
>read it as "living in an ivory tower" or, alternatively, "not really
>thinking practically or in a contemporary fashion."

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