tharen't
They are not
tharen't by Thedictionarynowsallidoto November 16, 2021
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the canary isn’t there to help dig coal
Simple definition:
Sometimes 'empty gestures' are important, as their absence indicates trouble.
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Nuanced definition:
Empty gestures and window dressing, while not true indicators of sincerity, are at least visible symbols of support. Even if they weren't creating meaningful change, the lack of visible support becomes a warning of shifting sentiment when it is withdrawn.
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Full explanation:
Originally coined in a Reddit thread, "the canary isn’t there to help dig coal" is a response to a memed discussion about "rainbow capitalism."
The meme quotes a Tumblr user as saying "I miss rainbow capitalism. I do. I miss when it felt like public opinion was still pro gay. I understand it was always an empty gesture, but it mattered in a sense of knowing how socially acceptable being queer is. If that makes sense."
In their response, the Reddit user said "'Rainbow capitalism is just performative', yeah well, the canary isn’t there to help dig coal."
They are accepting the assertion and adding that, while some actions display sentiments the performer doesn't actually believe, those action at least serve the function of normalizing ideas.
While it's not the hard work of "digging coal" (truly changing hearts and minds), showing and failing to show such displays are indicators of general acceptance rising or falling (if the canary dies, things are going poorly).
Sometimes 'empty gestures' are important, as their absence indicates trouble.
=====
Nuanced definition:
Empty gestures and window dressing, while not true indicators of sincerity, are at least visible symbols of support. Even if they weren't creating meaningful change, the lack of visible support becomes a warning of shifting sentiment when it is withdrawn.
=====
Full explanation:
Originally coined in a Reddit thread, "the canary isn’t there to help dig coal" is a response to a memed discussion about "rainbow capitalism."
The meme quotes a Tumblr user as saying "I miss rainbow capitalism. I do. I miss when it felt like public opinion was still pro gay. I understand it was always an empty gesture, but it mattered in a sense of knowing how socially acceptable being queer is. If that makes sense."
In their response, the Reddit user said "'Rainbow capitalism is just performative', yeah well, the canary isn’t there to help dig coal."
They are accepting the assertion and adding that, while some actions display sentiments the performer doesn't actually believe, those action at least serve the function of normalizing ideas.
While it's not the hard work of "digging coal" (truly changing hearts and minds), showing and failing to show such displays are indicators of general acceptance rising or falling (if the canary dies, things are going poorly).
the canary isn’t there to help dig coal by definer3001 July 2, 2026
Related Words
Gon't there
Marvin: "Missy, your shirt looks nice, but your pants make your ass look as big as a..."
Missy: "Gon't There"
Marvin: "Just sayin':
Missy: "Gon't There"
Marvin: "Just sayin':
Gon't there by Roonetoon November 12, 2010
There aren't any definitions for this word
There are, don't lie to yourself. This is what the Urban Dictionary says to you if you type an imaginary slang word that your imaginary friends use to try and act cool.
There aren't any definitions for this word by RadiantSmash October 13, 2016
there aren't any definitions for
Something you search when you're really bored on Urban Dictionary.
Or something you search when you don't have a life(like me) Cri
Or something you search when you don't have a life(like me) Cri
there aren't any definitions for by A human with a face January 30, 2018
There'sn't
Combination of there is and not. Shorter than 'There's not' or 'There isn't'.
It saves time deciding between the two. And it sounds good.
It saves time deciding between the two. And it sounds good.
Someone: Do you want to have sex?
You: No, there'sn't any condoms.
Same Someone: Ugh, can we just ignore the fact I have HIV?
You: No thank you.
You: No, there'sn't any condoms.
Same Someone: Ugh, can we just ignore the fact I have HIV?
You: No thank you.
There'sn't by JingoJewles May 2, 2019