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When people argue about the definition or meaning of a word. This usually starts in the middle of an argument and distracts from the main topic of the argument. Whether done intentionally or not depends on the people arguing.
When an argument deteriorates and its focus becomes one about word definitions rather than the main topic, a person will usually say "Oh, now we're just arguing semantics". Usually by this point, the arguement has become a waste of time because it has morphed into a bunch of bickering about irrelevant, unimportant details rather than the original main point.
If someone accuses you of arguing semantics, they're usually accusing you of intentionally avoiding the topic. In this case, the person may or may not be misusing the phrase in order to do so. If you're not actually arguing about word definitions, then they should accuse you of being nit-picky instead (as that would be more accurate) but to explain it to this degree becomes a bit nit-picky in and of itself and so for obvious reasons, this is the end.
When an argument deteriorates and its focus becomes one about word definitions rather than the main topic, a person will usually say "Oh, now we're just arguing semantics". Usually by this point, the arguement has become a waste of time because it has morphed into a bunch of bickering about irrelevant, unimportant details rather than the original main point.
If someone accuses you of arguing semantics, they're usually accusing you of intentionally avoiding the topic. In this case, the person may or may not be misusing the phrase in order to do so. If you're not actually arguing about word definitions, then they should accuse you of being nit-picky instead (as that would be more accurate) but to explain it to this degree becomes a bit nit-picky in and of itself and so for obvious reasons, this is the end.
Jenny: Hey Tommy, did you do your homework?
Tommy: I would never do my homework.
Jenny: What do you mean? You always do your homework!
Tommy: No, I would never "do" my homework - that would be gross. But if you want to know if I completed my homework...
Jenny: Oh, please. Spare me. Now you're just arguing semantics.
Tommy: I would never do my homework.
Jenny: What do you mean? You always do your homework!
Tommy: No, I would never "do" my homework - that would be gross. But if you want to know if I completed my homework...
Jenny: Oh, please. Spare me. Now you're just arguing semantics.
by PineappleJane February 9, 2017
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The study of discussing the meaning/interpretation of words or groups of words within a certain context; usually in order to win some form of argument.
The study of discussing the meaning/interpretation of words or groups of words within a certain context; usually in order to win some form of argument.
by molecule802.11 April 5, 2009
Get the semantics mug."Look, I just don't care if the Holocaust refers specifically to the murder of the Ashkenazi Jews or if it can be used more broadly to the Nazi's persecution of other minorities!"
"Wow, stop being so anti-semantic! This is important."
"Wow, stop being so anti-semantic! This is important."
by therichardstill September 4, 2009
Get the Anti-Semantic mug.When a text (anything with words, whether it be spoken or written) has a topic or subject that a group of words relate to. If a passage of writing included the words
"heart", "flower", "love", "music", "passion" the semantic field would most likely be considered 'love'. A semantic field of love. Also the lexis may be referred to as "flowery" or even femnine
"heart", "flower", "love", "music", "passion" the semantic field would most likely be considered 'love'. A semantic field of love. Also the lexis may be referred to as "flowery" or even femnine
by A speaker's curtain November 2, 2006
Get the Semantic field mug.An argument, or a type of guarantee that the outcome of your statement can be taken in two or more ways which will benefit you in either way it’s perceived. The *careful* use of semantics can be applied to situations which allow you to be right in any reverse query. You’re basically using their own ignorance against them. See example...
“I put up an ad on craigslist and used your picture.” This could mean the person used a picture that the other party has taken of them, or they used a picture of the other party. The answer has been concealed within semantics and incomplete phrasing.
by Seanus Unaes February 26, 2018
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