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Linguist Tweaks MS For Redefining "Genuine"
crazybilly writes, "The Language Log, home blog for several professional linguists, posted a story a few days ago about how Microsoft is redefining the word 'genuine' (as in the 'Microsoft Genuine Software Initiative') in an attempt to increase public sympathy for their anti-piracy efforts. From the article: 'An unlicensed copy of Microsoft Windows is perfectly genuine. It has exactly the same functionality as a licensed copy and was made by the same company... I suspect that Microsoft is attempting to redefine "genuine" because it has had a hard time getting sympathy for its actual complaint, namely unlicensed distribution.'"
The line for all the "cunning linguist" jokes starts right -----> here.
Entrepreneur : (noun), French for "unemployed"
Thus, Microsoft I guess has some legitimacy in using the word Genuine.
Yeah, I think this guy is using an outdated version of the word. Like when people use the word "ask" instead of "ax", or "Christmas" instead of "X-Mas".
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I'm tempted to subscribe to Slashdot for a day just so I can demand my money back in outrage.
The most rabid believers in American Exceptionalism are the exact same people whose policies are destroying it.
I've often pondered how odd it is that one must have excellent oral skills in order to be a master debater, and yet one can be a cunning linguist and perform all of one's work entirely by hand.
-Forrest Cameranesi, Geek of all Trades
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They've redefined so many words, why just pick on their use of "genuine". Consider: windows, reliability, Start, exciting, innovation, micro....
Engineering is the art of compromise.