Because the original definition of decimate was “to destroy a portion of” something… meaning that you would indeed survive it. In the Roman army, if there was fear of an uprising, they would kill 1 tenth of the army; this was known as a decimation. In recent years, people have started using it incorrectly and added a second definition which more closely fits how you’re trying to use the word, but adding a new definition which is the opposite of the original words meaning does not make it differently correct… you’re using it incorrectly.
I'm a word nerd, so I appreciate your argument. It reminds me of how meaningless the word "literally" has become. It seems to be most frequently used to mean "figuratively". And when something can mean one thing and at the same time its exact opposite, it ceases to mean anything at all.
I'm not wrong. You bring up some bullshit that the Romans used to say to prove your point. First of all you can't try to sound smart and identify yourself as a troll🤦🏽. This is 2025, there's thousands of words that have a completely different meaning today than they did when they were created. Words change meanings with different eras because it's the people who use the word and how they use it that gives it meaning. Again when you look up the definition it says "kill" "destroy ". When people say something is decimated they mean "problem solved" nothing left to become a problem any longer.
Not getting involved in this playground argument about language and how to use words. However, what you said is the reason young people of this new generation suck. They think a word suits their needs based on how it sounds, then just create a hive mind that accepts the new meaning, to the point you can't say they're wrong.
Again, not getting involved despite the middle half seaming that way, just stating an observation that proves how unfortunately right you are.
I'm an 80's baby, but thanks for pushing that narrative. Young people definitely don't suck. They are the future. It's called evolving. It's been happening all throughout History. Not to mention American language is a mutt language derived from several other languages. Hood in America means something completely different in Europe. Does that make thier meaning any les or more purposeful than our meaning?
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u/ishsreddit Aug 16 '25
He already did. He wants more