wclay1's definitions

semantics

The study of the meaning of words.

Often misused when quibbling about something someone said. In that context, the statement "That's only semantics" would be more aptly phrased as "You're just 'splitting hairs on word meanings."

Often used within the phrase "That's only semantics":
-- as a blanket repudiation of precise communication.

-- by persons advocating 'subjective feelings' over 'objective description' as a mainstay of communication.

The very concept of semantics is frequently disparaged by wishy-washy passive-aggressives who refuse to be accountable for their careless use of language or their deplorable lack of education.

Skater-boy was too lazy to choose his words carefully, unaware that without semantics, even his street drivel would be incomprehensible.

by wclay1 September 1, 2009

secondhander

Someone who gets their ideas, opinions and values exclusively form society and from others as opposed to getting: an idea from within oneself; a value from a personal rational process; an opinion from an experience.

Ayn Rand pointed out that Peter Keating was a secondhander because he stole all his ideas.

by wclay1 July 1, 2011

sourceable

Verifiable by reference to an authority, source or expert quote.

Everything he says is subjective, personal opinion and not sourceable.

by wclay1 July 2, 2011

Soapboxing

to speak AT an audience (1) instead of WITH them; (2) instead of engaging in a dialogue whereby corresponding 'sourceable' facts and verifiable observations are exchanged in a spirit of respect for objective truth.

He's just soapboxing because he just ignores the points you make and responds with subjective personal opinion.

by wclay1 July 2, 2011

majorally

majorally is to majority what mostly is to most

mostly

The votes were majorally in his favor.

by wclay1 February 25, 2011

per se

-- on the face of it
-- generally speaking
-- on average
-- inherently

Frequently used improperly by persons who think it makes them sound educated.

Its not that these people are stupid, per se. Its usually the case that they are self-educated.

by wclay1 September 2, 2009

feck

Slang expletive, an alternative to fuck. Also "large quantity," and "throw," and "steal."

He fecks out of his mother's purse all the time.
Baby fecked her lunch across the room.
The freight train had a feck of boxcars.
He was ornery the feck of the week

by wclay1 February 25, 2011