A meta‑linguistic framework that examines how definitions themselves are elastic—not fixed, dictionary entries but dynamic tools that shift with context, use, and power. Definitions can be stretched to include new referents (e.g., “marriage” expanding to include same‑sex couples), contracted to exclude unwanted cases, or strategically deployed to settle debates by fiat. The theory reveals that arguments over definitions are rarely just about words; they are struggles over boundaries, inclusion, and legitimacy. It also explains how redefinition becomes a political tool: change the definition, and you change the reality the definition governs.
Example: “The legal battle over ‘woman’ was a case of the theory of the elasticity of definitions—both sides knew that whichever definition became legally authoritative would determine access to rights, facilities, and recognition.”
by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal March 24, 2026
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When you are looking through definitions people have wrote for the Urban Dictionary and you see one so terribly disgusting you have to click the Keep Out button 180,000 times
If I had a dollar for everytime I just clicked the Keep Out button I could raise a child. Who the actual fuck writes these Urban Dictionary definitions?!
by I'm A Fucking Unicorn June 15, 2016
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I had nothing better to do today than to start Making 4 definitions in a day on the urban dictionary because I had nothing better to do even though I already said that.
by Jon Jacob Jingleheimer Schmit November 6, 2020
Get the Making 4 definitions in a day on the urban dictionary because I had nothing better to do mug.are retarted hypocrites and faggots who believe everything they see on the fucking idiot box. particularly the ones who posted definitions of certain people. most of the definitions r not funny, and in some cases half of the definitions are all the same. specifically, the definition g-unit. g-unit kicks ass, but 75% of the definitions said g-unit stands 4 gay unit. That joke was not funny. Whoever thought of that joke should be proud of himself, he got 80% of america to copy him and still have no idea who he is. i used 2 be a member of this website, this is the last definition im posting.
half of the people who posted definitions on this website: im cool, i have a computer, i believe everything i hear from CNN to the national enquirer, im not funny.
by leif jovanavohansen October 10, 2005
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