Major derail:
Well, yes. The definition of the word is lost on the current usage. Similar to a certain completely-unkind F-word referring to sexuality, the people using it most often aren't using it in the "correct" sense of the definition. It's a synonym to mean dumb, or stupid, or bad, or useless, or something. It's offensive, sure, but sexuality doesn't enter the picture.
Similarly, in the usage of PVP or, most commonly, online shooters, the word just means "destroyed effortlessly" or something similar. The actual act isn't referenced, or even intended. It's just an offensive word the yokels grabbed on to to throw around and inflame. It's crass, but it's effective.
I'm a firm believer that words can change their definition over time, and popular use, regardless of intention or benevolence, will usher in those changes. There's a certain C-word that's popular overseas that's outrageously offensive that I throw around in familiar company, but I try not to do it in public places where I might upset someone.
That said, if someone IS bothered by these sorts of usages, I do think that we as people could try to not be so crass. That being said about that being said, I also don't believe in censoring myself to insulate myself from offending people looking to be offended. That doesn't seem to be the case in this case, but it never hurts to be slightly more considerate.
You will never catch me proclaiming that I'm r-ing f's online. You will catch me calling them c's behind their backs, though.
Well, yes. The definition of the word is lost on the current usage. Similar to a certain completely-unkind F-word referring to sexuality, the people using it most often aren't using it in the "correct" sense of the definition. It's a synonym to mean dumb, or stupid, or bad, or useless, or something. It's offensive, sure, but sexuality doesn't enter the picture.
Similarly, in the usage of PVP or, most commonly, online shooters, the word just means "destroyed effortlessly" or something similar. The actual act isn't referenced, or even intended. It's just an offensive word the yokels grabbed on to to throw around and inflame. It's crass, but it's effective.
I'm a firm believer that words can change their definition over time, and popular use, regardless of intention or benevolence, will usher in those changes. There's a certain C-word that's popular overseas that's outrageously offensive that I throw around in familiar company, but I try not to do it in public places where I might upset someone.
That said, if someone IS bothered by these sorts of usages, I do think that we as people could try to not be so crass. That being said about that being said, I also don't believe in censoring myself to insulate myself from offending people looking to be offended. That doesn't seem to be the case in this case, but it never hurts to be slightly more considerate.
You will never catch me proclaiming that I'm r-ing f's online. You will catch me calling them c's behind their backs, though.