Flag problems?

[falco10291029]

First of all, a mod should split this thread.

Originally Posted by Kaimetsu

Are you sure you know what 'define' means? See, this is why you should not consider yourself an authority on the English language.

Of course I do. Defining means to give a meaning to it. Defining a sentence means explaining what it means. I don't consider myself an authority, I just know what I am talking about.

Originally Posted by Kaimetsu

This isn't a matter of choosing one of numerous equally-weighted possibilities. In our case we have two possible interpretations. One assumes proper use of language, and is non-functional as an insult, and the other requires us to loosen our foci almost to the point of dissolution.

In other words: Being the author of a statement doesn't mean you can spool gibberish and blame other people if they point out your semantic errors.

You are insulting my English abilities? Let's take the insult:

If I had a dollar for every brain you didn't have, I would have one dollar.

Of course, the first way most people will look at that is for every brain you don't own. But by taking other meanings for words, ones that are EQUALLY correct, like have, changing the meaning (properly, the definitions of the words allow it) of "every brain you didn't have", and meaning Every brain you are missing (since didn't have can mean are missing, i checked with several english teachers and 2 thesaurasus'), it would mean:

"If I had a dollar for every brain you are missing, I would have one dollar"

Which in a different order would basically mean

You are missing a brain, which in common langauge means you don't have a brain in your possession, the creator's meaning for the insult becomes correct. (The lengthy explanation isn't usually needed, Kaimetsu is just argumentive so i need it)

In other words: A sentence's meaning depends on how you look at the words.