Dictionary Please!

Ironic: containing or simplifying irony; unexpected.

Amazing: Causing great surprise or sudden wonder.

     One thing I've noticed that Mr. Mullins loves to do, is point out the misuse of words. Twice now, he's given us blog suggestions pertaining to the incorrect usage of words- stemming from Alanis Morisette's misuse of "irony" and from this article about  the slang usage of "amazing". Now, I am all for proper usage and education youth, but what both the article and Mr. Mullins seem not to recognize is that as these words become common slang, though it may not follow it's original meaning, people still know what you're trying to say when said word is used. It takes on a new definition.

     The writer of the article say's he doesn't understand when someone uses the word "amazing", simply because it has so many connotations. While I agree that the word is vague and should be something to avoid in academic writing, simply knowing that someone uses the word amazing to mean a positive attribute or that it was pleasurable, is usually for someone to follow their meaning in a casual conversation.

     Words change meaning all of the time. For instance, the word "gay" used to have nothing to do with homosexuality, it simply mean happy. Now we associate it with liking the same sex or even something lame or stupid in some cases. Even the word "rap" used to be short for rapport and mean to converse with someone, now it's   the name of a style of music. Hot meant temperature, not attractiveness.  Lame was a physical impairment, not something "uncool". Bomb was an exploding device, not a adjective describing something exciting and pleasing. The list goes on forever. 

     Slang words have never quite made sense- and probably never will. But for the most part, we still understand what they mean. I see no problem with telling someone they're amazing when they do something nice for me, because I think of them in high regard, not because I'm surprised at their kindness. They too will understand the sentiment. No, I won't use words like “hot” or “amazing” in an academic essay. Not out of fear for misuse, but because it's too informal to include slang terms. I sincerely thank Mr. Mullins and Philip Goldberg for making sure I- and others- know the proper dictionary definition of terms, and I promise to try to use them properly in a formal setting, but tomorrow, I will still be roaming the school halls with my friends talking about how “amazing” the new season of Supernatural is.