The history of word mincing

English is a rich tapestry of words with diverse origins and meanings. The study of etymology, the origin and development of words, allows us to trace their fascinating history and reveal how they have changed (or manipulated) throughout time and evolved in meaning. Learning and preserving the true meaning of words is crucial to maintaining the integrity of language and the authenticity of human communication.

Using the correct words to express intent and emotion is essential to pursuing meaningful communication. However, over time, certain words in the English language have been overused or morphed to the point where their original meaning has been diluted or completely forgotten. As a result, the impact of these words has diminished, leading to, well...misinterpretation. Learning and preserving the true meaning of words in the English language is crucial. It involves delving deeper into their origins, contexts, and connotations to understand their intended meaning. This process not only helps to enrich our vocabulary but also enables us to communicate more authentically.

The illusory truth effect is a cognitive science phenomenon that suggests people are more likely to believe something if they encounter it repeatedly. This effect is caused by processing fluency, which occurs when people think in statements they can easily understand and relate to. Repeated exposure can make something more accessible to comprehend, leading to an increased likelihood of belief.

Remember, just because you hear it repeatedly (like a chirping bird) does not make it accurate.

Various factors have influenced the dilution of words, but who is responsible for this? The average person has contributed to language decline by misusing words, not learning their true meaning, and relying on slang and jargon. But is there another faction deliberately manipulating the words we read and speak? The rise of diverse media formats such as television, social media platforms, and movies has overshadowed traditional writing mediums. The contemporary inclination is towards digesting quick video clips rather than delving into lengthy written pieces. Our society is now heavily influenced by attention-grabbing headlines and overwhelmed by information. My articles discuss mass media and communications and their effects on society, both positive and negative, how and why visual media has become so powerful, and who is behind it.

Why do we use, misuse or overuse certain words?

Limited social interactions

Marketing

Social media

Media (movies, music)

Lack of diverse reading material

Save time (shortcuts to convey a message quickly)

Stay in our comfort zone

We should all be mindful of our words and aim to expand our vocabulary. By actively avoiding the overuse (or misuse) of certain words in our everyday language, we can achieve more nuanced communication and make our conversations more enjoyable. (Uh-oh, an overused word!).

How many of these words do you use daily?

"You literally gave me a heart attack!"

"That hot dog looks amazing!"

"Like, what is her problem?"

"We had a really nice time."

"I had such a bad day!"

"I really love your dress!"

"He is basically an idiot."

"Do you need help? No, I'm good."

What is media?

The term "media" encompasses various forms of mass communication, including print, broadcast, and the Internet. We are bombarded with a relentless stream of information from numerous sources, such as television, radio, newspapers, blogs, marketing, books, and movies, leaving us little respite from their influence. With the advancement of technology, there is no denying that whoever owns the media has significant power to influence people.

Some of the articles on this blog will delve deeper into the origins of the English language, its contexts, and its connotations to understand the intended meaning of its words. It explores the various factors that have contributed to its metamorphosis and addresses how we all are responsible for preserving the integrity of the English language.

My thoughts on writing:

Great writers and writing:

I believe that instinct and experience help develop one into a good writer. Good writers freely embrace the role of the consummate observer; they see patterns and find connections where others do not. They are constantly challenging their perspective. When a writer effectively captures this wisdom in the written word, it can spark curiosity in the reader and encourage them to explore and challenge their perceptions, even moving them to act. A great writer can describe the world around them (and the people in it) in such a way that a reader becomes part of it for just a while. But when you come floating back to reality, the wisdom in their words stays with you.

That is what I believe makes a great writer.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) and writing:

I see AI as a possible tool, a small part of the writing process, especially beneficial for non-natural writers. It can help create content (like product descriptions) efficiently; the caveat is that one must be an excellent editor with a meticulous eye for detail to use AI effectively.

I do not fear that writers will eventually be "replaced" by AI. However, I fear the people in charge of AI will displace actual authors and writers. AI can never be substituted for human ingenuity and the inherent spirit to adapt and survive. AI can't think for you and certainly doesn't feel for you; it does as it's told. Empathy is a crucial component of good writing, and it is something that AI will never be able to replace.

Above all else in life, I am always searching for the truth. Discovering the truth means uncovering the lies within yourself, which is not easy. There comes a time in every person's life when they reach the crossroads of either reinventing their perspective or staying safe, surrounded by their cocoon of falsehood. It truly saddens me that the mainstream media has failed to maintain transparency. Instead of being a "watchdog" for the government, it has become a tool for promoting ideology and rhetoric. We are far beyond the point of reining in the media and reestablishing a journalistic standard when the average journalist and person are persecuted for stating what they think.

To learn is to live. "Every day is a good day for learning," as my high school principal, Mr. K, used to say every morning at the end of announcements.

Undressing word salad one article at a time.

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