2 Comments
⭠ Return to thread

I think some people use "Bolshevik" the way others use the word "Fascist", basically to mean "scary-sounding term to designate anyone I don't like"

Expand full comment

That's certainly part of it but it's a far more generalized problem than that. When someone is just using a word as an insult it's usually pretty obvious and one doesn't expect perfect accuracy in its usage. I might call a cop I didn't like a fascist in the heat of the moment but I'm not then going to create my own new definition of fascism that includes cops, Karens, and pentecostal preachers - all things I don't like. Outside of heated arguments words have to mean something or all discussion becomes pointless.

Expand full comment