Kilt, Skirt, MUG, etc.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

...The construction of something, such as a shovel, is definitely a science --it is engineering. Any process, such as kilt-making (i.e. contruction) is a science....
But based on soley what I know know, I will say that whether or not a kilt is a skirt would have to be determined by those who construct kilts...

Kilt_nave, I agree that kiltmakers really are the ones that defien what they call a given garment, and I also agree that they follow a process to create that garment. However, I don't think that I would call following that process science.

[bubba]

However, I don't think that I would call following that process science.

Kiltmaking is, imo, a mix of craft and art, not science. As for language, it doesn't only evolve, it gets mangled and mutilated as well through common usage. Just look at what's happened to the word gay over the years. That's just the way English is. It swipes words from just about every other language, alters meanings almost on a yearly basis, incorporates slang and jargon into the base language and adapts constantly. If someone wants to think of a kilt as a skirt that's not wrong under English usage, but those that don't see a kilt as a skirt aren't wrong either. Logic has nothing at all to do with the whole debate, it's entirely viewpoint and laguage usage.

[jkdesq]

Amen Bubba

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Kiltmaking is, imo, a mix of craft and art, not science. As for language, it doesn't only evolve, it gets mangled and mutilated as well through common usage. Just look at what's happened to the word gay over the years. That's just the way English is. It swipes words from just about every other language, alters meanings almost on a yearly basis, incorporates slang and jargon into the base language and adapts constantly. If someone wants to think of a kilt as a skirt that's not wrong under English usage, but those that don't see a kilt as a skirt aren't wrong either. Logic has nothing at all to do with the whole debate, it's entirely viewpoint and laguage usage.

Da**, go away for 2 hours to drive home and have dinner and there are 50 new posts!
Bubba, I think that you have hit on the crux of the matter. Regardless of which meaning or authority you ascribe to, logic has nothing to do with it.

Disclaimer: I reserve my right to change this opinion after I read the rest of the posts if somebody has a better argument!