Posted: Jun 04, 2014 5:23 am
I basically disagree. If one intends to converse with others then there is an implicit agreement to try and communicate clearly and effectively. This means sticking to agreed standards and usages of words, punctuation, grammatical structures and so forth.
Many cases in which dictionaries are appealed to are because someone simply states "X does not mean that", in which case showing that such meaning is in common use for X is a completely legitimate response. What other resolution is possible? Simple gainsaying back and forth ad infinitum? Acceptance of any and all idiosyncratic or humpty-dumpty usage?
Many cases in which dictionaries are appealed to are because someone simply states "X does not mean that", in which case showing that such meaning is in common use for X is a completely legitimate response. What other resolution is possible? Simple gainsaying back and forth ad infinitum? Acceptance of any and all idiosyncratic or humpty-dumpty usage?