To the Romans, decimate meant to kill every tenth man in an army, as punishment for mutiny or incompetence. To others, it meant to tithe (10%) to the church or to the state. But our language constantly changes, and decimate has meant devastate for hundreds of years.
(The Grammarian has a nice write-up.)
Personally, I won’t use the word. The concept of randomly killing one in ten just needs such a word, and I wouldn’t besmirch ‘decimate’ by using in its current (and now correct) meaning.
tsandl about 10 years ago
Rockette Hat?
Grildobkin about 10 years ago
Rocket Bonnet?
Coyoty Premium Member about 10 years ago
“Rocky the Flying Girl”. No, forget I said that. I want to live.
emmasweeny about 10 years ago
Can’t wait to see her and the Judger team up.
ChessPirate about 10 years ago
Apparently she can’t hear herself over her Titan Boosters…
ehtaniguchi about 10 years ago
The Moon Emperor is wearing a minidress. That does look wrong.
Rush Strong Premium Member about 10 years ago
To the Romans, decimate meant to kill every tenth man in an army, as punishment for mutiny or incompetence. To others, it meant to tithe (10%) to the church or to the state. But our language constantly changes, and decimate has meant devastate for hundreds of years.
(The Grammarian has a nice write-up.)
Personally, I won’t use the word. The concept of randomly killing one in ten just needs such a word, and I wouldn’t besmirch ‘decimate’ by using in its current (and now correct) meaning.
CougarAllen about 10 years ago
2013 was a fine vintage!
Frederick Barnett Premium Member about 10 years ago
This, is a classic!