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submitted 2 weeks ago by fossilesque@mander.xyz to c/science_memes@mander.xyz

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[-] jlh@lemmy.jlh.name 38 points 2 weeks ago

Being smug over the meanings of words that aren't ever actually used in a consistent way is even more American.

Um actually, Strawberries are not a berry, it's a Gameboy, not a Nintendo, and I lick toads. Can you go to the bathroom?

The only thing similar that I have experienced in Europe is the protected food name law, e.g. Champagne and Parmesan, but that's an EU cultural protectionism law that the US doesn't actually follow.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographical_indications_and_traditional_specialities_in_the_European_Union

[-] flora_explora@beehaw.org 19 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

No worries, "being smug over the meanings of words that aren't ever actually used in a consistent way" is done over here in Europe as well. People have the exact same conversations you list as examples. I would even go so far and say that this is true for the whole world and throughout time, a human condition. I would also think that it really isn't about the words/language, but rather about having control over the conversation and power over others.

[-] krawutzikaputzi@slrpnk.net 2 points 2 weeks ago

I still get angry about teachers replying with " I don't know if you can go to the toilet" Fucking power play for sure. I was already shy about asking to use the toilet.