A linguistic foray (Critical Inquiry, here I come!)
Preview: Toward a Broader Frame of Reference for the Adjective 'Flaming'
Consensus among younger users of the word "flaming" tend to assume that the word must apply exclusively to descriptions of, or modifications of descriptions of, homosexual persons and/or homosexual behavior. Wes Meltzer, who interestingly enough falls slightly short of flaming, is of this persuasion. What I hope to move toward in this essay is a conception of "flaming" as akin to slang adjectives on the order of "fuckin'," "goddamn," etc.
But what Meltzer and others overlook is that such vernacular adjectives are charmingly fluid in their applicability. The everyday random comments of our elders points to this fluidity. In the conversation of those now over 40, the word "flaming" can be used to illustrate the excessive extent to which an adjective or position applies. Thus, we have "flaming Catholics," "flamin' idiots," etc.
More to come on this exciting debate....
Consensus among younger users of the word "flaming" tend to assume that the word must apply exclusively to descriptions of, or modifications of descriptions of, homosexual persons and/or homosexual behavior. Wes Meltzer, who interestingly enough falls slightly short of flaming, is of this persuasion. What I hope to move toward in this essay is a conception of "flaming" as akin to slang adjectives on the order of "fuckin'," "goddamn," etc.
But what Meltzer and others overlook is that such vernacular adjectives are charmingly fluid in their applicability. The everyday random comments of our elders points to this fluidity. In the conversation of those now over 40, the word "flaming" can be used to illustrate the excessive extent to which an adjective or position applies. Thus, we have "flaming Catholics," "flamin' idiots," etc.
More to come on this exciting debate....
posted by Scott at 7:00 PM
1 Comments:
The immediate dilemma Gordon encounters in his argument is the absence of an explanation for frames of social reference, a critical part of linguistic studies, into which he has here delved without any special expertise.
If he were to consider the social implications of the word "flaming," and contexts in which it may or may not be used, he would arrive at a better description of the adjective.
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