It would be interesting to hear what a lexicographer (dictionary writer) would say about this. It's my understanding that the average lexicographer would be really frightened by it. The job of a dictionary is not to PRESCRIBE, but DESCRIBE. A dictionary merely describes how words are probably going to be understood by most people; it reports (and tracks) the ever-changing significance of the words it catalogs. It is a reference tool, not an authority, regardless of how they sell themselves on the dust jacket. But hey, don't take my word for it, just look up "dictionary" in the dictionary!;-)
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It would be interesting to hear what a lexicographer (dictionary writer) would say about this. It's my understanding that the average lexicographer would be really frightened by it. The job of a dictionary is not to PRESCRIBE, but DESCRIBE. A dictionary merely describes how words are probably going to be understood by most people; it reports (and tracks) the ever-changing significance of the words it catalogs. It is a reference tool, not an authority, regardless of how they sell themselves on the dust jacket. But hey, don't take my word for it, just look up "dictionary" in the dictionary! ;-)