Frank, I must disagree; perhaps my MA in art history is influencing me, but it is still a valuable word in denoting an image that is respresentative "of a culture or movement" as the OED states.
Now, if we could get rid of "arguably," which is truly meaningless, I'd be happy.
Hi Jim, I think what Bryan is getting it - and it's certainly my complaint - is its overuse and often inappropriate use. As a former newspaper editor I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've seen it applied to rock singers - rock icons, you know. When I hear the word, I think of, well, icons. You're right about "arguably," though, and I think there are some others, though none comes to mind just now.
Frank, I must disagree; perhaps my MA in art history is influencing me, but it is still a valuable word in denoting an image that is respresentative "of a culture or movement" as the OED states.
ReplyDeleteNow, if we could get rid of "arguably," which is truly meaningless, I'd be happy.
Hi Jim,
ReplyDeleteI think what Bryan is getting it - and it's certainly my complaint - is its overuse and often inappropriate use. As a former newspaper editor I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've seen it applied to rock singers - rock icons, you know. When I hear the word, I think of, well, icons.
You're right about "arguably," though, and I think there are some others, though none comes to mind just now.