Weird and way off topic (was Re: Ada, Software Engineering...)

["Peter Richtmyer" <pmr@efortress.com>]

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"Jeffrey Carter" <jeffrey.carter@boeing.com> wrote in message
news:3AED8BA4.FA51431E@boeing.com...
> Ted Dennison wrote:
> >
> > >You are saying is that  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr,
> > >Mother Theresa,  Frank Sinatra and  Michael Jordan. are weirdos.
> > >since they are all "significantly different from the norm".     :-)
> >
> > I'd agree with that. The definition fits. The only problem with saying
this is
> > the negative spin on the word, which is entirely a matter of perspective
or
> > opinion. But the meaning is dead on.
>
> Precisely. And it is because people generally associate a negative
> connotation with "weird" that I use the word. After all, I'm saying to
> 98% of the population that we can do something that they will never be
> able to do. Even though this is worshipped in some people, it can still
> be a dangerous thing to say.
>

What you perceive as a "negative spin" on the word "weird" is
counter-intuitive
based upon the reaction to the Harry Potter series.     :-)

from www.webster.com (Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary):

Main Entry: weirdo
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural weird�os
Date: circa 1955
: a person who is extraordinarily strange or eccentric

Main Entry: weird
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 : of, relating to, or caused by witchcraft or the supernatural : MAGICAL
2 : of strange or extraordinary character : ODD, FANTASTIC
- weird�ly adverb
- weird�ness noun
synonyms WEIRD, EERIE, UNCANNY mean mysteriously strange or fantastic. WEIRD
may imply an unearthly or supernatural strangeness or it may stress
queerness or oddness <weird creatures from another world>. EERIE suggests an
uneasy or fearful consciousness that mysterious and malign powers are at
work <an eerie calm preceded the bombing raid>. UNCANNY implies disquieting
strangeness or mysteriousness <an uncanny resemblance between total
strangers>.

As I continue on looking at "strange" and "eccentric" definitions, I do not
change my mind.  I say again:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Theresa,  Frank Sinatra and  Michael
Jordan. are not weirdos *to me*.

Based upon your definition ("significantly different from the norm"), , if
most people in a set were "weirdos",
then they would not be weirdos. I think the definition goes a lot deeper
than just normative. However,
we have been mixed "weird" and "weirdos", and they are not the same. Your
case is a bit better for
weirdos than weird.

And I certainly respect your right to have that weird idea    :-)

Peter