Phrases I never want to read again (but almost certainly will)

Siranui

S
schurem said:
Meta
Abbreviation of Most Effective Tactic Available. Mostly used when comparing tactics in a game,
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It would make sense, but seeing as that use of Meta is only documented in the last couple of years, whereas 'meta' has been in use for at least half a decade, I suspect that it is a backnonym: An abbreviation applied after the fact.

ie: It meant meta-game for years, then shifted to mean generally 'the best thing to do' via misuse, and only *then* did someone decide that it stood for 'most effective tactic available'.

A bit like all those trite little stories telling us that the origin of a word is an abbreviation 'for unlawful carnal knowledge' and suchlike: Sounds true, but not.

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Robin of Spiritwood said:
Thanks for explaining the term.
If people want to use an acronym, they ought to use all caps: META to prevent confusion with the original meaning.
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I suspect that many people never knew the original meaning, heard it one application and started mis-using it in another. The backronym then redefines the word to make it mean what is being used for: "I'm not using the word wrong because it stands for *blah*!"

(A bit like my ancient, racist aunt who tried telling me that an offensive word was ok because it was an abbreviation of something legitimate sounding.)
 

Ulysses_W

Ulysses_W
"Allot" when used to describe a multiple of thingies.

I know it's not exactly in the spirit of the thread but it winds me up no end.
 
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Codger

Codger
Oh yes, and the phrase "It's called Elite: Dangerous, not Elite:<Insert Word Here according to Topic>".
 
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PeachSlices

P
Irony Alert: This is a Meta Meta Discussion. Git Gud.

A.K.A. Super meta, otherwise known as "discussion is up its own proverbial".

The day gamers listen to the OP is when they grow beards on their gooches.

Happy Grooming.
 
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