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Subject:Re: Task as a verb? From:Marguerite Krupp <mkrupp -at- WORLD -dot- STD -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 15 Feb 1995 08:31:51 +0001
The emergence of task (and input and output, among others) as a verb
reflects the fact that language is a dynamic thing. A dictionary is a
history book, reflecting the way language has been used. Lexicographers
argue endlessly about the legitimacy of words they in- or exclude from
their dictionaries. Remember, Webster's First International Dictioonary
(the BIG one) included the word "f**k," which was considered a legitimate
word, but so horrendous that convention dictated that it never be printed
in full. The Second (and Third) International spelled it out completely.
(If you don't know what the word is, hang around any high school!)
Language changes, as does acceptability, not always for the better.
