General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: On the evolution of language and the "W" word [View all]nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)what bothers me about this place, is that folks have no issue in using those magical words against their political opponents, It is a hyper partisan site, so no surprise there. Why I recommend that book. Republicans get the lion's share of the responsibility, but democrats are not quite innocent.
As to the media, it is by it's very nature a very conservative and slow moving institution. And if you knew some things as to who owns the AP, it will make even more sense. It will get used. like in 2010 with Carly Fiorina and the New York Times piece on it. They just used it in quotes and with attribution. That is how you use these words not in the style guide. This is why Gawker used it that way too.
I just pointed out that the word is morphing in front of us. And to many here, that morphing will be very painful. These days I hear it at least once a week in the streets. I used not to. But if you are stuck in old uses, I fear to say it, middle class white uses, you are going to be in shock. And I expect a good old fashioned language war.
I expect the word to be applied to national politicos on all sides very soon. We have moved from Oh HORROR, how dare you in 2010... to he, she, it is a political whore. The term has been normalized.