Is the word "prom" a proper noun?

[TheVrolok]

<<

<< It's sad that we had to make up a new word that merely means "regardless." >>


That's why it's so bad. Irregardless isn't like inflammable. It's a double negative. If I say "regardless" it's "without regard." If I say "irregardless" it's "Without without regard." or "With regard" then. >>



Actually, I think it's very much like inflammable. I just looked it up to make sure and the definition I found for "irregardless" is (See Regardless).

 

[hooj]

sorry thought you said "Is the word 'porn' a proper noun"

 

[StormRider]

<< sorry thought you said "Is the word 'porn' a proper noun"
>>



I'm glad I'm not the only one. Everytime I see the word "prom", I keep thinking I see the word "porn".

 

[Jzero]

<<

<<

<< It's sad that we had to make up a new word that merely means "regardless." >>


That's why it's so bad. Irregardless isn't like inflammable. It's a double negative. If I say "regardless" it's "without regard." If I say "irregardless" it's "Without without regard." or "With regard" then. >>



Actually, I think it's very much like inflammable. I just looked it up to make sure and the definition I found for "irregardless" is (See Regardless). >>



Not really. Inflammable has a latin root. It didn't come from people wanting to say one thing but then screwing it up.
Merriam-Webster pretty much comes out and says that in the 20s and 30s people started saying "irregardless" meaning "regardless." The lexicographer's job is to document what words mean when used. No one says "irregardless" to mean "with regard," hence the lexicographer writes the definition based on the fact that it's used to mean "regardless."

It's a real word only by virtue of the fact that the unknowing continue to use it.
*sigh*

 

[DnetMHZ]

when i was in highschool everyone said "THE prom" never heard anyone say it the other way.. kids these days!

 

[technogeeky]

<< << It's also the EVOLUTION of language. >>

If you consider improper use of words and grammar to be evolution of the language then so be it. I assume then that since so many young people consider "alot" to be a word and an expression then it's fine because it's merely an evolution of the language? I must say I consider such things a devolution if anything. Now, if you take the idea that passive voice is now becoming more acceptable and prominent, then ok, I'll consider that evolution, but not improper use of wording. >>



What are you, the language police?


I dislike improper use of grammar as well, but I am intelligent enough to recognize that the trends we see today (as in this example) are no different than language evolution of past generations.

 

[deftron]

<< To the best of my knowledge, NO. So please explain, why do people use it as such? It bugs the crap out of me to hear people say things like "I'm going to prom"....its THE prom lol >>




"You go to school".....don't you ?

 

[Platypus]

Evolution of language? That's doubleunplusgood!