Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

OK, so what is the politically correct term for the use of, say, a double negative in English?

The preferred euphemism used to be "non-standard", which still leaves the problem of defining "standard" English.




Right, I like to think that there are milieus of English with which knowledge and conformance can be useful. Formal writing for example. But to say that the rules of formal writing should be extended to all domains is akin to saying that all food should be stir-fried. Just like there is no such thing as standard cooking, there is no such thing as standard English.


We need to keep adding levels of euphemism, until it's euphemisms all the way down. Only then will the egos of half-wits be completely safe.




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: