Mary Lowe
ENGL 1101
Dr. Hughes
In our world everyone has their own opinion about many different subjects. For this reason various outlets such as Urban Dictionary and Wikipedia have been created to foster to the human need of being heard. While these avenues of information might provide an opinion on a certain topic, how credible are they? The Urban Dictionary is composed of non- authoritative sources who simply provide the “street” definition which makes this dictionary a descriptive source. Anyone with internet access can provide a definition which means the “facts” on these sites are likely not up to par compared to a prescriptive authority such as the Oxford English Dictionary.
The Oxford English Dictionary has been composed by a number of esteemed scholars who have climbed the ladder of education toward scholastic superiority. Some though, have criticized this Dictionary by saying, “ it has become, like the English monarchy, virtually immune from criticism in principle”. The Urban and Oxford dictionaries stand as polar opposites concerning authority, but such a subjective decree regarding which one is “better” is a difficult judgment to make.
I believe that there is a time and a place for everything and I think this is no less true pertaining to these dictionaries. For example, the word “lame” has a different definition on the prescriptive and descriptive sites. The definition on the Oxford English Dictionary is “disabled in the foot or leg, so as to walk haltingly or be unable to walk”. This is the common understanding of the word which has dated all the way back to 1000 C.E. The Urban Dictionary on the other hand defines “lame” as “just plain stupid, un-original, or lifeless”. Both of these definitions are useful in different circumstances but in formal writing or speaking I would certainly opt to use the Oxford Dictionary and I would dare not obtain information from the Urban Dictionary.
In the majority of our lives we flounder about resorting to slang for various reasons such as ease, comfort and conformity. We are the Urban Dictionary and the realm above who we aspire to be is the Oxford Dictionary. Both are accepted as valid in their own circles but I, and many others, believe the standard is definitely the Oxford for it has endured through the good times and the bad; time evokes respect.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Measurement of someone's heart!!!
Carmen Solis
Engl 1101
Dr. Hughes
Girls love poems, is that right? Well, that term has changed over time. Now, some people, including females and males, read and speak in a poetic tone. There are tons of varieties of poems; it can be a ballad, carpe diem, couple, elegy, lyric, haiku, and much more. In the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “poem” means “a piece of writing or an oral composition, often characterized by a metrical structure, in which the expression of feelings, ideas, etc., is typically given intensity or flavor by distinctive diction, rhythm, imagery, etc.; a composition in poetry or verse.” This meaning is very complex. Someone like a child would not understand it and, even, some teenager would not either. In the Oxford English Dictionary, the authority is a chief named John Simpson; he searches the vocabulary from an actual source. He has many editors and “receives proposed amendments and suggestions for new entries.” Under Mr. Simpson’s authority, there a lot of people, editors, who chooses which word to put in the dictionary. This OED is a more professional and formal way to look for a word. The OED is definitely a prescriptive because it shows the public how a term should be defined.
On the other hand, I checked in the Urban Dictionary for that same word. It gave me a lot of definitions. Some of them were funny and give someone’s point of view. So, basically, the Urban Dictionary is descriptive because people write what they “think” that word means. In this dictionary, anyone can write and put a definition for any word. It does not have an authority that checks the terms that are added. “Poem” meant “a measuring stick for the depth of one’s heart.” This definition is mostly used by any teenager or person that is in love. If one says this definition, anyone would certainly understand it. There are also some other definitions for “poem,” for instance, it is like a short thing that rhymes and is corny, sweet, or bitchy. All of the definitions are people’s own way to see and explain the word.
I think that both of the dictionaries are right. There is no right or wrong definition. It is just how you explain to someone. The OED is better to use when you are speaking or writing in a professional and formal way. One would look more “sophisticated,” if they use a complex and intellectual sentences. On the contrary, the Urban Dictionary would be better to use when trying to explain what a word is, using simple but descriptive words. The definitions we see in the Urban Dictionary are more casual and used by most of the people. The definition for the word “poem” is the same everywhere; it is just how you explain it that it is different.
Engl 1101
Dr. Hughes
Girls love poems, is that right? Well, that term has changed over time. Now, some people, including females and males, read and speak in a poetic tone. There are tons of varieties of poems; it can be a ballad, carpe diem, couple, elegy, lyric, haiku, and much more. In the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “poem” means “a piece of writing or an oral composition, often characterized by a metrical structure, in which the expression of feelings, ideas, etc., is typically given intensity or flavor by distinctive diction, rhythm, imagery, etc.; a composition in poetry or verse.” This meaning is very complex. Someone like a child would not understand it and, even, some teenager would not either. In the Oxford English Dictionary, the authority is a chief named John Simpson; he searches the vocabulary from an actual source. He has many editors and “receives proposed amendments and suggestions for new entries.” Under Mr. Simpson’s authority, there a lot of people, editors, who chooses which word to put in the dictionary. This OED is a more professional and formal way to look for a word. The OED is definitely a prescriptive because it shows the public how a term should be defined.
On the other hand, I checked in the Urban Dictionary for that same word. It gave me a lot of definitions. Some of them were funny and give someone’s point of view. So, basically, the Urban Dictionary is descriptive because people write what they “think” that word means. In this dictionary, anyone can write and put a definition for any word. It does not have an authority that checks the terms that are added. “Poem” meant “a measuring stick for the depth of one’s heart.” This definition is mostly used by any teenager or person that is in love. If one says this definition, anyone would certainly understand it. There are also some other definitions for “poem,” for instance, it is like a short thing that rhymes and is corny, sweet, or bitchy. All of the definitions are people’s own way to see and explain the word.
I think that both of the dictionaries are right. There is no right or wrong definition. It is just how you explain to someone. The OED is better to use when you are speaking or writing in a professional and formal way. One would look more “sophisticated,” if they use a complex and intellectual sentences. On the contrary, the Urban Dictionary would be better to use when trying to explain what a word is, using simple but descriptive words. The definitions we see in the Urban Dictionary are more casual and used by most of the people. The definition for the word “poem” is the same everywhere; it is just how you explain it that it is different.
"Nifty" is a nifty word. My Favorite word.
Leila Shearon
Dr. Hughes
9.18.09
A person has many options in the search for the meaning of a word. One can search for the unknown meaning on the popular website among young people in today’s society http://www.urbandictionary.com/ or one could search on a prestigious and highly respected website http://dictionary.oed.com . The Oxford English Dictionary contains over 171,476 words in its collection. In The English language words are added every day. Some people sit and wonder if a word they use is actually an “official” word. The word “nifty” is a word that is becoming common in the world of preteens to young adults. “Nifty” in today’s society is used as an adjective. I can be used in many areas. The urban dictionary states the meaning as “To be very cool or neat; existing in a unique, positive manner.” They also stated “Refers to www.nifty.org, a rather large archive of erotic literature, a bit of it rather odd. Includes a vast array of topics, including, but not limited to, bestiality, incest, rape, bondage, hermaphrodism, gay/lesbian/bi/trans, sex with children, and at least one rendition of the story behind tubgirl”. The most common meaning for young adults is a synonym for the expression “Pretty darn awesome”. Oxford English dictionary is slightly different. As a noun is dates all the way back to 1918 is both an “A joke; a witty remark or story” and “An attractive young woman”. As an adjective it dates back even farther than 1918. The first usage is seen in the year of 1865.Oxford defined “nifty” as “Clever or ingenious; handy, nimble, dexterous” and “Smart, stylish; attractive; of good quality” Nifty used as an adjective has not been popular for over ten years. Now, people hear it in songs and on the tongues of the youth. Soon this word will be as common as the word “cool”. It has been used to describe the decade of the fifties. Soon this word will be able to describe anything and everything. “Nifty” is definitely a nifty word
Dr. Hughes
9.18.09
A person has many options in the search for the meaning of a word. One can search for the unknown meaning on the popular website among young people in today’s society http://www.urbandictionary.com/ or one could search on a prestigious and highly respected website http://dictionary.oed.com . The Oxford English Dictionary contains over 171,476 words in its collection. In The English language words are added every day. Some people sit and wonder if a word they use is actually an “official” word. The word “nifty” is a word that is becoming common in the world of preteens to young adults. “Nifty” in today’s society is used as an adjective. I can be used in many areas. The urban dictionary states the meaning as “To be very cool or neat; existing in a unique, positive manner.” They also stated “Refers to www.nifty.org, a rather large archive of erotic literature, a bit of it rather odd. Includes a vast array of topics, including, but not limited to, bestiality, incest, rape, bondage, hermaphrodism, gay/lesbian/bi/trans, sex with children, and at least one rendition of the story behind tubgirl”. The most common meaning for young adults is a synonym for the expression “Pretty darn awesome”. Oxford English dictionary is slightly different. As a noun is dates all the way back to 1918 is both an “A joke; a witty remark or story” and “An attractive young woman”. As an adjective it dates back even farther than 1918. The first usage is seen in the year of 1865.Oxford defined “nifty” as “Clever or ingenious; handy, nimble, dexterous” and “Smart, stylish; attractive; of good quality” Nifty used as an adjective has not been popular for over ten years. Now, people hear it in songs and on the tongues of the youth. Soon this word will be as common as the word “cool”. It has been used to describe the decade of the fifties. Soon this word will be able to describe anything and everything. “Nifty” is definitely a nifty word
Snatch
Jonathan Dishon
ENG 1101
Dr. Hughes
18 September, 2009
After Looking at both the Oxford English Dictionary and the Urban Dictionary, I was able to see many things between the two that were similar. Now while they are similar there are still some differences. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary only has definitions that are agreed upon by a group of scholars and lexicographers, but the Urban Dictionary has definitions that are written by everyday people. The definitions in the Oxford English Dictionary also are more professional and the Urban Dictionary definitions are more obscene and written in the everyday language of the common man.
The word I chose to research in the two dictionaries was “snatch.” The word “snatch” can be used as either a noun or a verb, and according to the Oxford English Dictionary the noun form is defined as a hasty catch or grasp, and the verb form is defined as to make a sudden snap or bite at something. The Oxford definition of snatch is the one that everyone is familiar with, and is the one that is most commonly used. However the Urban Dictionary also has two definitions for the word “snatch.” The first is to take or grasp at suddenly or hastily. This definition does not differ much from the Oxford definition at all so no one would have a problem with this definition, but the second definition from Urban Dictionary might cause some eyebrows to be raised. The second definition for snatch according to Urban Dictionary is and I quote, “the second most horrifying name for a female’s genitalia.” Now many people have probably never heard the word “snatch” used in that manner before, and until last year I had not either. So many people would object to this definition and berate anyone who used it in that way. By looking up the same word in both the Oxford English Dictionary and the Urban Dictionary I was not only able to see how different the two dictionaries were, but also how similar they are in context. So while I would not suggest that someone get their definitions from Urban Dictionary I would suggest that they look at it because it is a good source to compare the definitions of different dictionaries.
ENG 1101
Dr. Hughes
18 September, 2009
After Looking at both the Oxford English Dictionary and the Urban Dictionary, I was able to see many things between the two that were similar. Now while they are similar there are still some differences. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary only has definitions that are agreed upon by a group of scholars and lexicographers, but the Urban Dictionary has definitions that are written by everyday people. The definitions in the Oxford English Dictionary also are more professional and the Urban Dictionary definitions are more obscene and written in the everyday language of the common man.
The word I chose to research in the two dictionaries was “snatch.” The word “snatch” can be used as either a noun or a verb, and according to the Oxford English Dictionary the noun form is defined as a hasty catch or grasp, and the verb form is defined as to make a sudden snap or bite at something. The Oxford definition of snatch is the one that everyone is familiar with, and is the one that is most commonly used. However the Urban Dictionary also has two definitions for the word “snatch.” The first is to take or grasp at suddenly or hastily. This definition does not differ much from the Oxford definition at all so no one would have a problem with this definition, but the second definition from Urban Dictionary might cause some eyebrows to be raised. The second definition for snatch according to Urban Dictionary is and I quote, “the second most horrifying name for a female’s genitalia.” Now many people have probably never heard the word “snatch” used in that manner before, and until last year I had not either. So many people would object to this definition and berate anyone who used it in that way. By looking up the same word in both the Oxford English Dictionary and the Urban Dictionary I was not only able to see how different the two dictionaries were, but also how similar they are in context. So while I would not suggest that someone get their definitions from Urban Dictionary I would suggest that they look at it because it is a good source to compare the definitions of different dictionaries.
Words, Words, Words
Bekah Medford
Engl 1101
Dr. Hughes
Blog 4
“Words, Words, Words”
As time changes, we change, along with everything around us. Technology advances. New Fashions replace the fads before them. New words are created. Older words pick up new meanings. To comparing two popular dictionaries, The OED and The Urban Dictionary, models just how much the words we use change over time.
Dating back to c1325, the word “gay” was used as an adjective to describe someone as noble; beautiful; excellent, fine. This is the first definition of “gay” found in the OED. Though it is not the world’s oldest dictionary, it has a broad span of words with their popular meanings from both the past and present. When I looked up the word “gay” in the Urban Dictionary, I found two dissimilar definitions. The Urban Dictionary is like a collection of modern day American slang. People add in what he or she believes the word to mean. According to the Urban Dictionary “gay” is now a term for a homosexual male or female; or something stupid or unfortunate. The last definition of the two is in almost direct contrast to the original meaning found in the OED. The term seems to have more of a negative connotation when used in the present.
The two dictionaries seem very different but are truly alike. Both dictionaries are presenting people with definitions behind words. Both have definitions that many people believe to be correct whether it be the original meaning or the current slang. The OED searches for the most popular and correct meaning from both the past and the future while the Urban Dictionary has the definitions of words according to what humans view right now. The Urban dictionary is definitely descriptive. The OED is a mixture of prescriptive and descriptive. Though most may see it as just prescriptive, there was a point where prescriptive was descriptive. When giving the words the original meaning, descriptive was used to help form the definition. The OED is more accurate because people cannot add what he chooses vat anytime. The OED is put together with consideration and thought. Though contrasting in their content, both dictionaries have the same purpose: to present words and their many meanings.
Engl 1101
Dr. Hughes
Blog 4
“Words, Words, Words”
As time changes, we change, along with everything around us. Technology advances. New Fashions replace the fads before them. New words are created. Older words pick up new meanings. To comparing two popular dictionaries, The OED and The Urban Dictionary, models just how much the words we use change over time.
Dating back to c1325, the word “gay” was used as an adjective to describe someone as noble; beautiful; excellent, fine. This is the first definition of “gay” found in the OED. Though it is not the world’s oldest dictionary, it has a broad span of words with their popular meanings from both the past and present. When I looked up the word “gay” in the Urban Dictionary, I found two dissimilar definitions. The Urban Dictionary is like a collection of modern day American slang. People add in what he or she believes the word to mean. According to the Urban Dictionary “gay” is now a term for a homosexual male or female; or something stupid or unfortunate. The last definition of the two is in almost direct contrast to the original meaning found in the OED. The term seems to have more of a negative connotation when used in the present.
The two dictionaries seem very different but are truly alike. Both dictionaries are presenting people with definitions behind words. Both have definitions that many people believe to be correct whether it be the original meaning or the current slang. The OED searches for the most popular and correct meaning from both the past and the future while the Urban Dictionary has the definitions of words according to what humans view right now. The Urban dictionary is definitely descriptive. The OED is a mixture of prescriptive and descriptive. Though most may see it as just prescriptive, there was a point where prescriptive was descriptive. When giving the words the original meaning, descriptive was used to help form the definition. The OED is more accurate because people cannot add what he chooses vat anytime. The OED is put together with consideration and thought. Though contrasting in their content, both dictionaries have the same purpose: to present words and their many meanings.
You Want to Get Blazed
It is very peculiar and almost funny how in the English language we have so many different meanings for words. The one I chose to look up is “blazed.” According to Urban Dictionary, it is to be really high from smoking marijuana. However, with Oxford English Dictionary, it means to burst into flames. It is crazy to think about how many meanings some of our words actually have. But who is right and who is wrong? Urban dictionary is available to the public to post their own definitions, where as Oxford English Dictionary is from an actual “source.” But now that I think about it, which can you believe or trust? On Urban, everyone seems to agree on the fact that blazed is to smoke weed, and if people today are referring to the word as that, then is that not right? But, on OED, it never once mentioned anything about drugs.
To me, I think that the definition found on Urban Dictionary came from the other meaning, to burst into flames. Because if someone were to say, “Hey man, want to blaze?” I would think that he was talking about smoking, not setting himself on fire. But since there is fire involved, it could attribute to the second definition. I think that Urban Dictionary is more of a descriptive way of defining words. Because people in today’s society refer to it as “high” and we model that. The Oxford English Dictionary is more prescriptive because it is what is “right” in terms of an actual dictionary.
Personally I think it depends upon the situation to decide which site to refer to. If one is writing a paper or working on school work, Oxford English Dictionary would probably be a safer option to define a word. But if one is just curious about a word or slang, then Urban Dictionary would be better. So next time (if ever) someone says to you, “Wanna get blazed?” make damn sure which definition they are referring to, although I would think it’s the Urban Dictionary form.
To me, I think that the definition found on Urban Dictionary came from the other meaning, to burst into flames. Because if someone were to say, “Hey man, want to blaze?” I would think that he was talking about smoking, not setting himself on fire. But since there is fire involved, it could attribute to the second definition. I think that Urban Dictionary is more of a descriptive way of defining words. Because people in today’s society refer to it as “high” and we model that. The Oxford English Dictionary is more prescriptive because it is what is “right” in terms of an actual dictionary.
Personally I think it depends upon the situation to decide which site to refer to. If one is writing a paper or working on school work, Oxford English Dictionary would probably be a safer option to define a word. But if one is just curious about a word or slang, then Urban Dictionary would be better. So next time (if ever) someone says to you, “Wanna get blazed?” make damn sure which definition they are referring to, although I would think it’s the Urban Dictionary form.
Can We Create The Ultimate Dictionary?
Tyler Benson
Egnl 1101
Ms. Hughes
9/17/09
Looking at both the OED and the urban dictionary, I am going to have to take a position in suggesting that they swap some attributes. The urban dictionary has its strong points in that regular people actually decide what the best definition of a certain word is. On the other hand, the OED actually has the history and facts on all the words you could think of. A merger between the two would be a very nice event, and you might actually see the birth of the standard dictionary.
The word I chose to look up was “junk”. In the urban dictionary it said that junk referred to useless garbage that was tossed out just before the day it is needed. This, of course, was the highest rated definition out of many. The OED referred to junk in two ways; one being to chop something into rough sections and also garbage. Upon viewing both the definitions of junk in these two dictionaries, the idea of merging the two together popped into my mind. I think that these Prescriptive and Descriptive dictionaries should merge into one where the history of the word is located and all definitions from the past to present are posted. Then regular people can go in and vote on the definition they see being most accurate for this time and age. If we do this, even as time and age progresses people will be able to vote on definitions of words and it will stay current. If we merge both the ideas of Prescriptive and Descriptive we can actually have legitimate definitions of words that people can vote on to actually set a standard meaning. Of course it may change as time progresses, but it will still be current and valid because people will still be voting on definitions. If a new meaning comes out, scholars will debate and add it if they see fit, of course the scholars have to be diverse.
The only problem I see in the merger would be getting a diverse group of officials that would actually make some progress unlike the Advisors’ in France. This taken into account, if a group of officials can be assembled we could in fact make a Prescriptive and Descriptive dictionary combined.
Egnl 1101
Ms. Hughes
9/17/09
Looking at both the OED and the urban dictionary, I am going to have to take a position in suggesting that they swap some attributes. The urban dictionary has its strong points in that regular people actually decide what the best definition of a certain word is. On the other hand, the OED actually has the history and facts on all the words you could think of. A merger between the two would be a very nice event, and you might actually see the birth of the standard dictionary.
The word I chose to look up was “junk”. In the urban dictionary it said that junk referred to useless garbage that was tossed out just before the day it is needed. This, of course, was the highest rated definition out of many. The OED referred to junk in two ways; one being to chop something into rough sections and also garbage. Upon viewing both the definitions of junk in these two dictionaries, the idea of merging the two together popped into my mind. I think that these Prescriptive and Descriptive dictionaries should merge into one where the history of the word is located and all definitions from the past to present are posted. Then regular people can go in and vote on the definition they see being most accurate for this time and age. If we do this, even as time and age progresses people will be able to vote on definitions of words and it will stay current. If we merge both the ideas of Prescriptive and Descriptive we can actually have legitimate definitions of words that people can vote on to actually set a standard meaning. Of course it may change as time progresses, but it will still be current and valid because people will still be voting on definitions. If a new meaning comes out, scholars will debate and add it if they see fit, of course the scholars have to be diverse.
The only problem I see in the merger would be getting a diverse group of officials that would actually make some progress unlike the Advisors’ in France. This taken into account, if a group of officials can be assembled we could in fact make a Prescriptive and Descriptive dictionary combined.
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