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CydeWeys • 10/12/2024 • 2 replies • view on HN

    Crutch (n)
    a : a support typically fitting under the armpit for use by the disabled in walking
    b : a source or means of support or assistance that is relied on heavily or excessively
Use a is a neutral, non-judgmental, literal use of the word. Use b is clearly a pejorative, judgmental, metaphorical use of the word. The two are not the same.

Replies

seadan83 • 10/13/2024

> relied on heavily or excessively

That _OR_ is doing a lot of work. I believe that 'or' makes the word not objectively pejorative. Context is important. A no-true-scotsman insinuation, or an insinuation that the crutch will never be removed does lack empathy and would seem pejorative to me.

Though, an empathetic concern that the crutch will never be removed - is not necessarily pejorative IMO. Either way, the crutch is a tool to "healing." Context matters.

collingreen • 10/13/2024

Is this an argument that you should use crutch and everyone ever will always read it as version b?

It might be more good faith to just pick language that is more clear. The alternative feels a lot like pretending to be one thing while trying to make people think something else - it rings just like a bad faith "Im just asking questions"

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