This Ain't That

Below is a list of terms often used in a way that suggests they are equals, but are, in fact, not the same thing. Forgive me if this gets nit-picky.

Over-rated = Bad

It often sounds as if people use the term ‘over-rated’ exclusively as a way to condemn or tear down, rather than merely question the perceived quality. I argue that we never use it exactly as we mean it. Otherwise, we’d likely apply it to things we like, not just things we dislike. For example, I love the Beatles. They make great music, and I include many of their songs in my favorites of the era. They were an influential, pioneering, good band, and I think they’re somewhat over-rated. Both of these beliefs can exist in tandem (I’ll concede that maybe I don’t have a complete understanding of their level of influence on modern music). And, for that matter, ‘under-rated’ doesn’t mean ‘good.’

Passive = Passive-aggressive

I suppose this explanation is simple. The most common use of the word ‘passive’ is typically when using the term ‘passive-aggressive.’ Yet, it still needs addressing. There are times I use the word ‘passive’ and mean it just so. “I passively sat by while they sorted out their quarrel,” meaning, I truly didn’t engage or make known any leanings. Now, if I made snide remarks or let out dramatic sighs of irritation, that graduates to passive-aggression. They are not the same.

Invest = Buy

An investment is money spent, with the expectation that it will yield a return. This one is tricky, because a return on investment doesn’t have to be monetary. A gym membership can be an investment with the expected return being a healthier body. However, it also gets used when someone plans to buy something that, frankly, offers no clear returns, i.e. “It’s good to invest in some ice cream every so often.” Perhaps they mean that regular “treat yourself” purchases offer intangible benefits to one’s peace of mind. In that case, I suppose that’s fair. I’m not the oracle of ROI. Go invest in some Moose Tracks.

Comparing = Equating

Falsely equating the word ‘equating’?? It’s getting wicked meta in here. Anyway, I’ve already written a spiel about this in another article.

Belligerent = Drunk

Belligerent means aggressive, violent, hostile. Yet, thanks to the widely-used term ‘belligerently drunk’ (one who is so hammered that they’ve abandoned all control of their temper), we’ve let the adverb and the adjective morph into one. Now, the word ‘belligerent’ no longer describes the behavior exhibited by the inebriated; rather, it becomes a synonym for their inebriation.

Don’t let your descriptors become synonyms for the described. It’s the surest way to weaken yours words (I’m getting this printed on a shirt).

Gaslighting = Any Type of Manipulation

Gaslighting is an incredibly problematic, manipulative behavior. It’s also a very specific one. Yet, I hear the term used in a way that suggests any sort of attempted manipulation falls under this newly-crowned umbrella term. A simple disagreement or challenge from a colleague is now hastily called gaslighting. Other forms of actual manipulation are also labeled gaslighting. If someone influences you by, say, stoking your ego or shaming you about your actions, that is manipulation, but it isn’t necessarily gaslighting. Gaslighting is the distinct act of convincing someone not to trust their own thoughts, recollections, or feelings toward a situation. Gaslighting is the act of telling someone they are crazy, that their own emotions cannot be trusted, and thus, they should simply listen to and heed the demands of the gaslighter. A good insight on this is a New Yorker article from Leslie Jamison titled So You Think You’ve Been Gaslit (possible paywall warning).

Roman Empire = Roman Republic

Weird change-of-gears, I know. But, this article is not following any theme other than things falsely thought equal. And it seems the Roman Republic is a victim of just this. We often only hear the term ‘Roman Empire’ when speaking of ancient Rome, but we forget that Rome was a Republic for nearly 500 years before things went autocratic. When we speak of classical antiquity, of the outsized effect the Greeks and Romans played on western civilization, it’s important to note that for much of Rome’s existence in that time, it was a Republic. Maybe I’m splitting hairs here. Moving on…

Conspiracy = False

I came across a social media post recently where a user said something to the tune of “He said this was a conspiracy, but it’s actually true!” as if the terms are mutually exclusive. A conspiracy is merely a plan, often secret to some degree, laid out to do illegal or destructive acts. It’s perfectly possible that this plan may have:

1. taken place (it’s true)

2. not taken place (it’s false)

I suppose the confusion comes from the fact that conspiracies are often secretive, and thus, we only have theories as to whether or not they happened. It doesn’t help that many of these theories are so woefully lacking in evidence and practicality that people begin to write them all off as false, hence the association.

Flip-Flops = Uncool

They’re so back. 😎

Thanks for reading,

John