Sender: Rare book and manuscripts <EXLIBRIS-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
As Justice Holmes said when a dictionary definition was thrown at him
"that's one man's opinion".
You might ask someone who is "dumb" whether they appreciate the combination
of definitions: 1. lacking intelligence. 2. lacking the power of speech.
What is the problem with using "stupid" when you mean stupid?
Or is that offensive to people who are stupid?
Gabriel Austin
-----Original Message-----
From: Rare book and manuscripts [mailto:EXLIBRIS-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU] On
Behalf Of Edward T Pollack - A Fine Thing
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 10:34 AM
To: EXLIBRIS-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU
Subject: Re: [EXLIBRIS-L] Legal ruling on theft in Special Collections
library
I think my point is simpler: the use of the word "dumb" to mean stupid is
offensive to people who are unable to speak. It hearkens back to Mongolian
idiot.
'Nuff said.
I am thinking that you are speaking here with tongue-in-cheek (I'm
compunding the offensiveness, I know), but you are persistent enough that I
think you are being serious. With awareness that it is hardly the paramount
authority, I here cite to you www.dictionary.com which offers:
"dumb /d?m/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[duhm]
Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation adjective, -er, -est, verb
-adjective 1. lacking intelligence or good judgment; stupid; dull-witted.
2 lacking the power of speech (often offensive when applied to
humans): a dumb animal."
Note that the meaning in which I used the word is this dictionary's primary
definition, and yours the secondary. As a practical matter, I think "dumb"
meaning mute is archaic and obsolete: the reason people who are mute find it
offensive to be called dumb, is that the use of the word suggests that they
are thought to be stupid.
Nevertheless, I am willing to fall on my sword here, and just give it up to
you - I have had private communication to the effect that list readers are
now finding this discussion tedious and boring, thinking, perhaps rightly,
that we are both being dumb. Any riposte had better be inflammatory, as I am
resolved that this is otherwise my final unburdening on this subject.
My best to you and all.
EdP
Ed Pollack
A FINE THING: Edward T. Pollack Fine Arts
Rare Books & Fine Prints
25 Forest Avenue
Portland, ME. 04101
207-699-2919
pollackbks@maine.rr.com
www.edpollackfinearts.com
Member ABAA/ILAB