The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #25398   Message #298645
Posted By: dick greenhaus
16-Sep-00 - 11:08 AM
Thread Name: Cont'd THOUGHTS, terms such as 'nazi'
Subject: RE: Cont'd THOUGHTS, terms such as 'nazi'
May I a) return to the original topic and b) voice a dissenting opinion? (the question is obviously rhetorical, as I'm not waiting for an answer)

The use of hyperbole is a fine, useful tool in language. "Folk Nazi" doesn't trivialize Nazis any more than "a flood of letters" trivializes the Johnstown flood or " so-and-so bombed at a concert" trivializes bombs. The conscious exaggeration provides a quick emotional trigger, which is why it was used in the first place; it's not a matter of logical interpretation.

And, while I personally detest Mr. Limbaugh, I think that FemiNazi was a brilliant, evocative neologism.