Klarinet Archive - Posting 000039.txt from 2002/10

From: Daniel Leeson <leeson0@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] The meaning of words changes over time
Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2002 16:27:15 -0400

Ed Wojtowicz wrote:
>
>>From: Daniel Leeson <leeson0@-----.net>
>>Subject: [kl] The meaning of words changes over time
>>
>>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."
>
>
>
> That is an interesting interpretation. While I have heard it used in that
> way, I often think of it as a compliment. I often perceive it more as
> someone who holds to a very high standard and is not swayed by trends and
> others opinions.
>
> The definition I found is: someone who insists on great precision and
> correctness.
>
> Ed
>

Thank you Ed, I also am aware of that definition. But I did focus on
the fact that this particular word (like the definitions of several of
the other words I mentioned) could also take on a second and quite
opposite meaning. I am pleased that you fall into the former category,
but I read the memos that mentioned it in the second category. And as
you say you have both heard it and used it in that pejorative fashion.

Dan

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**Dan Leeson **
**leeson0@-----.net **
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