proactive

Originally a psychological term indicating an empowered, self-reliant individual, this has evolved through misuse into a neo-antonym of 'reactive', and is used as such to emphasise the preferability of one attitude or course of action over another. It connotes alertness, awareness and preparedness, and seeks to dispel any conceivable impression of incompetence.

'Proactive' is interesting in that it is perhaps the classic example of the unnecessary neologism. It serves as an antonym to 'reactive', yet 'reactive' is itself the antonym of 'active'.

Arguably, since 'proactive' is now perhaps more widely used than 'active' for the specific purpose covered by the newer word, 'proactive' must be recognised as a legitimate word. The cult of hatred that has understandably grown up around the word can only help it endure further.

One is 'active' as opposed to being 'passive' or 'reactive'. One is 'proactive' as opposed to 'speaking English'.

by Peter Gibney December 22, 2006

Proactively Friendly

Masturbating before a date with someone you find attractive to prevent both awkward erections at inopportune times, and to prolong any sexual activity that may occur.

"I'm about to go on a date with that hottie Chelsea" -man 1
"You better be proactively friendly" -man 2
"Good idea, I do have a few minutes to get ready" -man 1

by Chormin November 29, 2011

Poop Prerogative

The right to interrupt someone's conversation because something just pooped by you or near you.

Ashley: So I was saying...
Kristin: oh, something just pooped by me. I'm sorry to interrupt. 
Ashley: no it's fine, it's your Poop Prerogative.

by daveg365 April 11, 2010

Erocative

Erocative is a term coined by Jared of Sherwood Park during a camping trip to express what could not be expressed with just "erotic" or "provocative". Thus erocative was created to express that which pertains to both.

Noah: “That's so erocative.”
Jared: “Thanks babe. You’re so erocative.”

by The erocative man August 20, 2018

volvo perogative

The right to pull out at junctions, change lanes, use the same lane all the way round the roundabout, not use indicators etc as if anyone hits you, they are likely to write their car off and if you hit anyone else, you are likely to punt them off the road altogether.

Passenger: 'Don't you need to give way here?'

Volvo Driver: 'No!? I am using my volvo perogative'

volvo perogative volvo driver volvo

by lyricalgangsta April 6, 2009

proactive

a word smart people use to sound dumb, "proactive" supposes a superior degree of action and, perforce, an inferior inaction and can be likened to the attempt to qualify an absolute. a patent nonsense and specious construct deriving from the same font of blather from which insurance and real estate industry "professionals" drink freely, whence also comes;
"pricepoint", "impactful", "empowered" and "that said". an example of the fundamental paradox of the school of polysyllabic palaver which proves more is actually less.

i empowered my client when the pricepoint i suggested proved impactful to the sale of their home. that said, i was proactive.

by lexicali slim September 26, 2009

pertuative

unusual, out of the ordinary, weird, to stick out in a funny manner

The new student seemed extremely pertuative as he walked into class with his underwear outside of his jeans and a chicken bone hanging from his mouth.

by chelle z October 6, 2008