The Public Opinion Soapbox

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 2486 Location: Chambersburg

I hope the title is broad enough to encourage posting even after my initial blathering.

Has anyone else noticed the trends in word usage on Haloscan?

A few days ago someone used the term 'hack' now several others have used it. (At least, I think they are different people.)

Same with spew...that is such a neat word!

I don't think people are intentionally copying each other, as much as they are being reminded of great words that they wouldn't typically use.

I like words. I definitely don't hold a degree in English, far from it (grammar and commas kill me!) But words (and quotes) can be interesting.

My point is that Haloscan may be good for something other than raising your blood pressure as you argue with your opponents. It may also be instrumental in expanding the knowledge of Franklin County residents. (Apparently, it's also good for receiving psychiatric diagnosises without leaving your home --(Thanks, I already knew I was crazy, I was hoping for some specificity!)

So what word trends have ya'll noticed OR what are you favorite obscure words or definitions.

And No, I'm not a nerd, I don't make enough money!
_________________
If, lately, it seems as though I've been unreasonable, it is only because I have lost all reason.

hanginout · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 77

You-ins-guys just let it wit me.

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 2486 Location: Chambersburg

AnonyMouse · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 356

Spew is good. I heard someone use "stymie" the other day and I really liked that. You don't hear "stymie" much anymore.

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 2486 Location: Chambersburg

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 2486 Location: Chambersburg

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2065 Location: Chambersburg

Go red up your room

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2065 Location: Chambersburg

What happened to the avatars on the message board; have they been disabled?

AnonyMouse · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 356

Not exactly on topic, 'chel, but word-related.

I stumbled across this site called FreeRice. It's a vocabulary program that challenges your word knowledge, and at the same time, donates rice through the United Nations World Food Program. Since October, 3,804,662,490 grains of rice have been donated - that's over 100 metric tons!

So, go test your word knowledge, secure in the knowledge that you are not wasting time playing a game, but are improving your vocabulary and helping to feed the hungry at the same time. What's not to love?!

From the FAQs

QueenofHearts · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 362

QueenofHearts · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 362

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 2486 Location: Chambersburg

Queen,

Words are a powerful thing; I feel far more pain from verbal assault than physical. The physical pain fades, as the verbal continues to linger.

We like to believe that we do not care what others think of us. At least, that's what I believe. To be perfectly truthful, I cannot imagine that there is a person who truly does not give their detractors a second thought. Such a person may actually exist, but I can't imagine their thought processes!
Of course, if your detractors are on Haloscan, I suppose they may be easier to shake off and sleep like a baby!...Which is probably why Dave is so feisty!

Wink

P.S. I'm assuming your friend is not in a computer related field.

Anonymouse: That website is addictive...and slightly annoying. I'm not dumb enough to think I know alot of words, but I have encountered quite a few where I think; "Oh! I know this! Oh, what is it again?" Of course, there are also quite a few where I've never heard a peep that was similar.

Thank you!

Why, yes, as a matter of fact, I am a poikilotherm! Very Happy

_________________
If, lately, it seems as though I've been unreasonable, it is only because I have lost all reason.

QueenofHearts · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 362

Dave · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 155

I like the term. I had to look it up. After the holidays, I am a total porkilotherm. or is it a oinkilotherm.

Anyway, I do tend to get a little annoyed at those on Haloscan. There is one of the anonymous guys that follow me post to post trashing what I write regardless of how stupid he/she sounds. He is different than than Tweedle Anonymous. Tweedle takes notes & must have a file of copy & paste comments.

Thanks for the new term.

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 472

I've noticed everyone everywhere uses ironic to mean coincidental or hypocritical.