this post was submitted on 15 May 2025
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Thank you for providing another source in my favor. In a scientific context, wet might have a very particular meaning. But we're not in a damn lab right now, we're talking. Go ask a linguist instead of a scientist.
Most dictionaries disagree with you, but you managed to cherry-pick one that did agree. What makes your dictionary better than the others?
Irrelevant. No word has one single universally accepted definition, no one dictionary can lay claim over the English language, and the way that most people actually use the word includes things that consist of liquids. There's a reason that the phrase "water is wet" is ubiquitous.
You used a dictionary to prove your point, but now you're saying that dictionaries don't matter. Good grief.
Dictionary definitions come from usages.
I used a dictionary to demonstrate that that is a way that people use the word. I never said they don't matter, I said it's irrelevant that some dictionaries don't include my definition.
So if enough people start saying that the earth is flat does it automatically become true? Is usage what determines facts now?
No, and it takes a profound level of disingenuousness to bring the argument to this point. You must understand that the meanings of words are socially constructed, not aspects of physical reality. Usage is literally what determines the definitions of words.
I see. I thought people were arguing facts not just word usage. The argument was "water isn't actually wet, that's just a saying people say that isn't actually true, same for abortions killing people". If we're just saying that people say stuff like "water is wet" all the time, then yeah, I agree with you. Don't need to go to the ends of the earth for this discussion :) have a nice day!