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Define this word
- Thread starter ToniL
- Start date
CajunCenturion
Programmer
Nice one ToniL. Conversate could be consider a neologism, and that is something that we can coverse about.
Good Luck
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I am sure that if enough celebreties use "conversate" a lot, dictionaries will list the word. US dictionaries are particularly notorious for this practice.
It's got to the point where dictionaries are becoming pointless by the year, or month.
It's got to the point where dictionaries are becoming pointless by the year, or month.
I think the publishers of dictionaries meditate a bit then decide to include "new words" into their dictionaries. There is always a feud between dictionaries as to what words are real, and what meaning to give to words. But, in general, people tend to follow what the major dictionaries say.
As to that "word", it is already a word in this "dictionary":
1. conversate
A stupid word idiots use when they mean to say converse.
Hey dude, we need to conversate bout that shit yo and I am stupid
As to that "word", it is already a word in this "dictionary":
1. conversate
A stupid word idiots use when they mean to say converse.
Hey dude, we need to conversate bout that shit yo and I am stupid
CajunCenturion
Programmer
The editors of a dictionary are the ones who decide if and when a word gets included in a dictionary. It is a rather drawn out process but it is based on word usage. The various editors take time on a regular basis looking for new canidates by scanning publications, or are made aware of new canidates via an email or other type of contact. When this happens, a reference is recorded for that word, including is contextual definition and bibilographic information. Periodically, the reference file is studied, and when a word has a sufficient number of references across a wide variety of biliographic sources, all with similar contextual meaning, and over a reasonable amount of time, then dictionary inclusion is a serious option.
So yes, there is a chance that 'conversate' could become a word, but I don't think it is likely because the verb converse is already in use. I don't think conversate will 'catch on' so to speak, but it is possible. There is also a reference for 'agreeance' but I don't think it will make it either, unless it does so as a satirical word. But I don't think it will stand up to the test of time.
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So yes, there is a chance that 'conversate' could become a word, but I don't think it is likely because the verb converse is already in use. I don't think conversate will 'catch on' so to speak, but it is possible. There is also a reference for 'agreeance' but I don't think it will make it either, unless it does so as a satirical word. But I don't think it will stand up to the test of time.
Good Luck
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My wife and I decided that, irregardless of public opinion, we will use the word "conversate".
It requires no celebrity endorsement whatever to make entrance to the "hallowed ground" of a dictionary. All that is required is the lengthy endorsement of low-grade speakers and writers.
I suppose the recent inclusion of "D'oh" into some reference books is an exception to that line of thinking.
In the development of language, we do not "get what we pay for". Rather, we get the sweepings of what others leave behind. How many Hip-Hop and GeekSpeak words have joined the "American English" lexicon in recent years? A good many, I am sure.
Next up: Wardrobemalfunction? Balcoslugger? Nucular?
Give it time...
[red]Note:[/red] [gray]The above comments are the opinionated ravings of Mr3Putt. As such, Mr3Putt accepts no responsibility for damages, real or contrived, resulting from acceptance of his opinions as fact.[/gray]
It requires no celebrity endorsement whatever to make entrance to the "hallowed ground" of a dictionary. All that is required is the lengthy endorsement of low-grade speakers and writers.
I suppose the recent inclusion of "D'oh" into some reference books is an exception to that line of thinking.
In the development of language, we do not "get what we pay for". Rather, we get the sweepings of what others leave behind. How many Hip-Hop and GeekSpeak words have joined the "American English" lexicon in recent years? A good many, I am sure.
Next up: Wardrobemalfunction? Balcoslugger? Nucular?
Give it time...
[red]Note:[/red] [gray]The above comments are the opinionated ravings of Mr3Putt. As such, Mr3Putt accepts no responsibility for damages, real or contrived, resulting from acceptance of his opinions as fact.[/gray]
Dimandja said:
True. But I hope this will not happen in this case.
Why?
Because "To conversate" is probably the snobbiest way I can imagine to express, that you don't have anything to say...
There are so many much more meaningful ways to express the action of "having a conversation":
talk, discuss, chat, rant, yell, jangle, nag, whisper...
All adding their own note to the "conversation".
I definitely hate having to "conversate" with someone. I know from the start that I'll have to fight the yawn...
![[yawn]](/data/assets/smilies/yawn.gif "[yawn] [yawn]")
[blue]An eye for an eye only leaves the whole world blind. - "Mahatma" Mohandas K. Gandhi[/blue]
CajunCenturion
Programmer
Interestingly, this thread, if found, will likely generate a reference for 'conversate'.
It is a good thing we already have the verb to converse.
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It is a good thing we already have the verb to converse.
Good Luck
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As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein
CajunCenturion
Programmer
By the way Mr3Putt, based on your previous comments about irregardless, I take you sentence in a humorous light, but someone else, not familar with some of our other discussions make not look upon your use of irregardless with the requisite inside information.
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As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein
- Thread starter
- #12
- Thread starter
- #15
CajunCenturion
Programmer
I'm with you ToniL. If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right. The same holds true for the use of language.
Good Luck
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Good Luck
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To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read FAQ181-2886
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<defense of="use of irregardless">
I am well aware that irregardless is not a legitimate word. It was an attempt at levity.
However, from MerrianWebster.com:
[ul]
Pronunciation: "ir-i-'gärd-l&s
Function: adverb
Etymology: probably blend of irrespective and regardless
nonstandard : REGARDLESS
usage Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that "there is no such word." There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.
[/ul]
Plus, my boss uses the offending word with impunity... It drives me and my coworker nuts. I believe that, should our manager say "the word" a mile away, we would both still lift our heads and frown.
</defense>
So, thanks to those who pointed out the abject stupidity of my post. There may, however, be demerits involved for not recognizing the use of two horrid non-words in the same sentence as satire.
And, to another point: ToniL, I more often hear the word (mis)pronounced as supposably, as if I am able to suppose something... which is, of course, not the intent. I should be being instructed that many others have already found themselves able to suppose that "whatever comes next" is true.
One more for the road: "Here, here!", Egad. What? I can't hear you. Come over here, here, that I may hear you better? No.
[red]Note:[/red] [gray]The above comments are the opinionated ravings of Mr3Putt. As such, Mr3Putt accepts no responsibility for damages, real or contrived, resulting from acceptance of his opinions as fact.[/gray]
I am well aware that irregardless is not a legitimate word. It was an attempt at levity.
However, from MerrianWebster.com:
[ul]
Pronunciation: "ir-i-'gärd-l&s
Function: adverb
Etymology: probably blend of irrespective and regardless
nonstandard : REGARDLESS
usage Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that "there is no such word." There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.
[/ul]
Plus, my boss uses the offending word with impunity... It drives me and my coworker nuts. I believe that, should our manager say "the word" a mile away, we would both still lift our heads and frown.
</defense>
So, thanks to those who pointed out the abject stupidity of my post. There may, however, be demerits involved for not recognizing the use of two horrid non-words in the same sentence as satire.
And, to another point: ToniL, I more often hear the word (mis)pronounced as supposably, as if I am able to suppose something... which is, of course, not the intent. I should be being instructed that many others have already found themselves able to suppose that "whatever comes next" is true.
One more for the road: "Here, here!", Egad. What? I can't hear you. Come over here, here, that I may hear you better? No.
[red]Note:[/red] [gray]The above comments are the opinionated ravings of Mr3Putt. As such, Mr3Putt accepts no responsibility for damages, real or contrived, resulting from acceptance of his opinions as fact.[/gray]
- Thread starter
- #19
What also baffles me is that a great majority of people who are ESL speak better English (by that, I mean proper English) than those who were born in this country. It's interesting that an individual who is taught English in another country, India for instance, will strive to speak proper English, while a person who has a ton or resources at their fingertips and was born in this country, will not even try to improve his/her diction or vocabulary. But I guess we as Americans have been speaking badly for so long, it has just become the norm.
Not "Americans"...some Americans.
You sounded like those immigrants who hated to live over there, came to US and don't like it here either, so every time they can they throw "Those Americans are..." - they Do - and here I come to show them light of the day, and trust me - it is not a pretty site.
So I would refrase it to "Some ESL speak better English then OTHER ESLs" and "Some Americans speak English badly by their own choice"
I don't know about you but I am being ESL myself having OFTEN many problems to understand other ESLs and it happening at least onse a day so I could say read above.
Peace
You sounded like those immigrants who hated to live over there, came to US and don't like it here either, so every time they can they throw "Those Americans are..." - they Do - and here I come to show them light of the day, and trust me - it is not a pretty site.
So I would refrase it to "Some ESL speak better English then OTHER ESLs" and "Some Americans speak English badly by their own choice"
I don't know about you but I am being ESL myself having OFTEN many problems to understand other ESLs and it happening at least onse a day so I could say read above.
Peace
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