A Proper Word 1

[CajunCenturion]

In another thread, a member posted the following:

Academic usage descriptivists tend to support the notion that a single space after a full stop should be considered standard because of the growing common usage by non-experts.

To which another member responded:

So "ain't" is considered a proper word?

This leads to the following question:

What is a 'proper word'?

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[sleipnir214]

The most common definition, judging by context is, "any word I can find in some dictionary published in the last 100 years".


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[tsdragon]

You would need to qualify what you mean by "dictionary". What if I found "ain't" in the "Dictionary of Improper Usage"?


Tracy Dryden

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For you are crunchy, and good with mustard.

 

[Stella740pl]

Or in a dictionary of taboo and swear words. (I have something like that somewhere on my shelves, but don't remeber the exact name.)

 

[Volk359]

From Merriam-Webster

 

[Dimandja]

Anything understood by another person is a proper word. However, a word understood by only the minority of a group would be a proper slang word.

In my definition, 'proper' only means that the word successfully conveyed a meaning; it does not mean that a committee sat and approved it.

 

[johnwm]

As most lexicographers these days would describe their trade as 'descriptive' rather than 'prescriptive' it follows that a 'proper word' is one that will be found in Websters or OED in the next edition.

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[Volk359]

Sorry, meant to add that a definition will add that the word is slang, vulgur or improper so I suppose there would be your answer. I've seen proper dictionaries with four letter words in them and I don't suppose that makes the word proper. Hence the still soapy taste in my mouth.

 

[Stella740pl]

OK, not everything that is a word (and as such can be recorded in one or another type of dictionary) also is a "proper" word. Out of all definitions of "proper" I would select this one: "Strictly following rules or conventions, especially in social behavior". (

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=proper)

So a proper word would be not just a word, but a word appropriate for use in a gathering of well-educated people speaking that particular language. I can agree, that even those people, in a more friendly setting, can sometimes tell a joke using less-then-proper words, but they do know it's "inappropriate".

 

[SantaMufasa]

Stella,

Yours is an assertion that I can support. Have a Purple Star.

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)

http://www.dasages.com

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[ggauthier]

What is a 'proper word'?"

Using the same reference page as Stella

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=proper

I humbly put forth that the first definition can be used:

1. Characterized by appropriateness or suitability

A proper word is the one that is most appropriate to the context of the message.

An inproper word may not convey the correct message (i.e., miscommunication) which may bring unforeseen and unwanted consequences.

My 2¢
-glenn