[net.nlang] this will die down bi- and bi

custead (01/14/83)

Actually the Webster's entry for intelligent is

able to perform some of the functions of a computer <an ~ computer terminal>

This is in fact a correct definition of the adjective when used
in the phrase "intelligent terminal"...I don't know what point
Dijkstra was trying to make (though perhaps one can guess....)

The word bisexual originally meant "having the characteristics
of both sexes -- hermaphroditic"...The meaning in popular use
does not appear in many dictionaries and is QUITE different
than the original meaning...English needed a word to described
those who go both ways, and bisexual "sounded right". In exactly
the same way that biweekly "sounds right" when you are trying
to describe a newspaper that you get twice a week.  
Face it folks, language keeps changin'...

			custead
			of the western provinces

paul (01/17/83)

Hemidemisemiquaver!  Need I say more?