semantic

1. a number that just increases every time someone does something, because doing things properly is hard.

Ive just made a code change. I expect semantic versioning to automatically increment, because bumping a version up (0.0.1 -> 0.0.2) by 1 is hard.

by anonymous April 20, 2023

semantic satiation

Semantic satiation is a psychological phenomenon where repeating a word or phrase many times causes it to temporarily lose its meaning, making it sound like a meaningless collection of sounds. This occurs because repeated activation of a neural pathway to a word's meaning can cause temporary fatigue or inhibition, leading the brain to re-regulate its focus and temporarily cease to process the word's meaning.

I kept repeating the word 'crowded' over and over for a minute, and by the end, it just sounded like a weird noise—total semantic satiation!

by Emotional Cruiser October 12, 2025

semantic regime change

When the meaning of words shifts so drastically that reality itself starts to feel like a glitch. Usually driven by cultural agendas, internet discourse, or corporate rebranding.

Examples:

"First, 'disruption' meant innovation—now it means getting laid off. Another semantic regime change, baby."

"Remember when 'outside' meant nature and not just…vibes? Total semantic regime change."

See also: gaslighting, linguistic coup, reality distortion field

by atalaocean March 17, 2025