Just because a lot of people are complaining about something doesn’t mean there’s actually a problem. It just shows that a bunch of folks (or just those invested enough to upvote) don’t like that their village may be changing. This is a familiar pattern: when language or some other aspect of culture changes too quickly, the old guard pushes back. It’s less about logic and more about discomfort — a fear that something they’ve valued or understood is moving away from them.
Has anyone actually made a clear, rational argument for banning the term? Like, is it too vague? Misleading? Genuinely unhelpful in discussion? I have seen many very helpful conversations in this sub that have begun with the prompt “Is this overc…..d?” Why would we wish to control or diminish those dialogues?
The use of a simple, slang term to request help is exactly what we should expect in a community intended to offer learning and support. Those with less knowledge will use less precise language. Those with more knowledge could choose to respond with more precise language which could over time elevate the language of those individuals truly wishing to practice the craft.
The problem at hand is not the use/overuse of a new-ish slang term. The real problem is the reactionary response against natural progression in language and culture, and the quasi-fascist impulse to use “authority” to stamp out that change.
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u/jschalfant Jun 28 '25
Just because a lot of people are complaining about something doesn’t mean there’s actually a problem. It just shows that a bunch of folks (or just those invested enough to upvote) don’t like that their village may be changing. This is a familiar pattern: when language or some other aspect of culture changes too quickly, the old guard pushes back. It’s less about logic and more about discomfort — a fear that something they’ve valued or understood is moving away from them.
Has anyone actually made a clear, rational argument for banning the term? Like, is it too vague? Misleading? Genuinely unhelpful in discussion? I have seen many very helpful conversations in this sub that have begun with the prompt “Is this overc…..d?” Why would we wish to control or diminish those dialogues?
The use of a simple, slang term to request help is exactly what we should expect in a community intended to offer learning and support. Those with less knowledge will use less precise language. Those with more knowledge could choose to respond with more precise language which could over time elevate the language of those individuals truly wishing to practice the craft.
The problem at hand is not the use/overuse of a new-ish slang term. The real problem is the reactionary response against natural progression in language and culture, and the quasi-fascist impulse to use “authority” to stamp out that change.
This was a very poor decision.