Yes, words matter. I often resort to dictionaries when reading or replying to DU posts. People often attribute different meanings to words, or emphasize different aspects of the meaning. Dictionaries are not always reliable sources of definitions, but they at least cause me to think carefully about the words that someone has chosen to use, or that I am considering using. And that thinking includes whether the words might have the capacity to inflame or to sooth a conversant who's viewpoint is different.

Thanks for the post, OGR.

Lovely name.

Thank you -- glad you appreciate it!

On one hand I think it's counterproductive when we get TOO wrapped up in words and meanings when we interact with one another on a casual basis (I think the intent behind the words is what is most important). On the other hand, I think people use that as an excuse -- blaming the "PC police" and such -- to simply be lazy regarding words and how we refer to one another, and especially how we refer to groups of people in general.

It does take more energy to be mindful and to choose wisely -- and to mean it -- but the consequences of not doing so are real, they're lasting, and they're destructive.

In my opinion.