Use of language in arguments

Use of language in arguments (Full Version)

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colouredin -> Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 7:35:40 AM)
I have noticed something recently, during arguments some people will suddenly change the language they use, they will get a larger vocab and use complex words that could easily be replced by common ones. This seems t be a way of belittling the people they are arguing with, the belief being that the people will be so in awe of the words that they wouldnt even dare doubt the opinion behind it. Obviously if the person misreads their audiance they may find it turning into a battle of words, but i was really baffled by the way it happens and how it is so obvious in some people. I was wondering if anyone else had notcied it?

kittengirl8 -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 8:48:32 AM)
I certainly noticed that as well, and I had thought it was only the people I surrounded myself with. Perhaps it is more widespread than I had originally thought. At some point, many people must realize their argument is stupid, so they go for the fight they think they can win: belittling opponents and using excessively large words. People are weird.

TheHeretic -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 8:49:30 AM)
It could be any number of reasons, Colour. Anything from a desperate attempt to baffle with bullshit, to calling someone else on bullshit. I usually see it as a sign that a poster has mentally shifted gears, is sitting a little straighter at the keys, and giving more thought and attention to the case they are making. The banter has become less casual. Sometimes it means good reading ahead, sometimes it means every post for the next four pages will be between two or three people, and heading down some bizarre tangent of US supplies to the Red Army in 1942-43.

NotNutsReally -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 8:54:18 AM)
Actually, take a look at Politics and the English Language by Orwell. He argues, among other things, that the tactic of using unnecessarily complex words and language is a single that the author is either unclear of their own argument or is using the language to obscure the argument. here's a link to the article http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/orwell46.htm

windchymes -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 9:11:43 AM)
Well, in a real life pissing match, you can actually see the size of the penises, or the amount of urine produced (females), and the biggest is the best. In here, though, all you have are the words, so, the bigger, the better.....[8\|]

MamaDomme1 -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 9:20:08 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: windchymes Well, in a real life pissing match, you can actually see the size of the penises, or the amount of urine produced (females), and the biggest is the best. In here, though, all you have are the words, so, the bigger, the better.....[8\|] That just cracked me the hell right up! Great-- now I have this HUGE wet spot on my desk chair and it's running off into the floor from laughing so hard I pissed every where! *edited for a stinking typo!

marieToo -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 9:28:39 AM)
I've never noticed this, but have heard that other people have seen the same trend. I tend to agree with what TheHeritic said, people may take a different mindset and make a more concerted effort to articulate themselves effectively during a disagreement or debate of some kind. I think I'm "guilty" of that myself, but for the above reasons, not because I'm trying to do that consciously. I don't consider myself an expert of language by any means, but when I am writing in a serious manner, it just comes out differently than when I am being casual. On the other side of it, I like when other people use big words, because it stretches my knowledge as well. Nothing is better than when an intelligent poster uses words that I have to go look up. As far as those who use this as some kind of a technique to win an argument, I doubt it would be very successful. If someone is losing their grip on their argument, it's usually very easy to see, whether they use big words or not.

TheHeretic -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 9:38:02 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: marieToo As far as those who use this as some kind of a technique to win an argument, I doubt it would be very successful. Fun to watch when they get caught bluffing, though...[sm=popcorn.gif]

atursvcMaam -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 12:38:30 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MamaDomme1 quote: ORIGINAL: windchymes Well, in a real life pissing match, you can actually see the size of the penises, or the amount of urine produced (females), and the biggest is the best. In here, though, all you have are the words, so, the bigger, the better.....[8\|] That just cracked me the hell right up! Great-- now I have this HUGE wet spot on my desk chair and it's running off into the floor from laughing so hard I pissed every where! *edited for a stinking typo! my guess is that this would make You the winner.

Evility -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 1:45:48 PM)
Actual food could be replaced each day by Big Macs. For some people there is more to life that just the bare minimum.

MamaDomme1 -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 1:50:20 PM)
lol-- and all completely unintentional! And I didn't even have to use the big words!

DesFIP -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 3:07:21 PM)
Not necessarily. As one of those people who rarely uses a fifty cent word where a five dollar one would do, allow me to present my pov. The truth is, I think in full sentences and a large and rich vocabulary. It takes more work for me to chat in a down home manner than to talk like a walking dictionary. So if the discussion doesn't require much energy from me, I'll put the effort in to sound like everyone else. However when the emotions rise, or I simply feel strongly enough about a topic, then I will put my energy into making sure that what I say is exactly what I mean. I disregard form in favor of function. I was an English major, exactness in words matters enormously to me. Unfortunately, more common terms tend to cover a multitude of nuances and not convey the exact thought to the degree of precision that is important to me. Some of us really do sound like this in real life.

Roselaure -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 3:33:12 PM)
Ah yes, the urinary olympiad. My favorite is when an opponent without a good argument stops arguing the merits and starts talking about how inept the opponent's argument is.

Jeffff -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 3:41:56 PM)
The hubris of this thread fills me with a vile loathing.........:) Jeff (apologizes for the egregious post) edited because typing is not among my many fine qualities

kittinSol -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 3:43:06 PM)
Show-off [8D] .

Aneirin -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 3:45:51 PM)
But words are words, why is there the existence for words that replace other words ? I feel some , 'big' words that replace others might mean the same but in a slightly different context. I on occaision use big words, these words come to mind, but I always check their meaning before using them, as it is always my wish to convey how I feel about something. This is a site where submission and dominance is the main interest, does it not come as some surprise that some people feel the need to dominate by words if they cannot by form ? Some people always need to feel they are on top of the pile as if it was their very existence.

Jeffff -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 3:52:26 PM)
I read alot, so I have developed a large vocabulary.............. why not use those words? Jeff

LaTigresse -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 4:09:39 PM)
Then there are some of my favourites that elementary school teachers don't even want in a dictionary. motherfucker pissant peckerhead worthlesspieceofdung add stupid to any of the above and............... Call me crass, but these are the words that tend to convey my feelings best, during most "debates".[:D]

Jeffff -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 4:11:50 PM)
June, MINE! Ward

Owner59 -> RE: Use of language in arguments (8/24/2008 4:12:14 PM)
Someone who puts another down for using simple terms or not using college vocabulary. Or puts their own words in someone else's mouth,before belittling them for those words.Or calling someone an anti-Semite or Holocaust denier. A great way to stifle a conversation and suck the oxygen out of the room. Switching from the argument ,....to how the other has no credibility.A true sign of the lack of substance. Pointing out spelling errors or type-os,as if they mattered or hammering someone when they make a mistake. Omg,don`t let that happen.Don`t misread a post or make an innocent mistake.You`ll never live it down. Your mistake will be announced as proof that everything you`ve ever said is without merit.There are a few "well intentioned" members who give out credibility here.They givith,and they takith away. All this, is a diversion from the discussion and kinda lame. Most members are good natured and open to a good discussion.

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