Fun With Words: Pretentious

[Panayjon]

If you use the word pretentious to describe something or someone you think is pretentious, then you're being pretentious. If the original victim of the pretentious accusation was indeed being pretentious then the accuser is justified but remains pretentious. If the accused was not being pretentious then the it becomes that the original accuser of pretentious opinion is now solely pretentious.

So, what I guess I'm really saying is language is fun, but some words just don't need to be used. Unless its to make a self-righteous forum post, of course.

 

[Shivarage]

Pretentious rambling is pretentious

 

[MammothBlade]

If you use the word pretentious to describe something or someone you think is pretentious, then you're being pretentious. If the original victim of the pretentious accusation was indeed being pretentious then the accuser is justified but remains pretentious. If the accused was not being pretentious then the it becomes that the original accuser of pretentious opinion is now solely pretentious.

So, what I guess I'm really saying is language is fun, but some words just don't need to be used. Unless its to make a self-righteous forum post, of course.

You're right, we should just create a perfect language in which there are no mean or harsh words. That will be double-plus-good, I think!

I'm sorry, but it's actually not. It's not hypocritical to call someone "pretentious" who really is being pretentious. Your reasoning makes no sense.

 

[Panayjon]

I'll admit, this thread wasn't entirely made based on whimsy and mirth (but kudos to you iBagel for really running with that 'fun with words' bit) but because I've noticed the word 'pretentious' just thrown out there without context on almost every occasion. Be it critique of Jim, Movie Bob, Yahtzee, or Extra Credits it seems having an opinion makes you pretentious.

That said, my particular reasoning for that obscene use of the word is what the hell does pretentious mean anyhow? I don't even mean a dictionary description but what do people seem to think it means? A synonym for arrogant? Putting on airs? Trying to make yourself seem more knowledgeable or important than you might genuinely be?

You're right, we should just create a perfect language in which there are no mean or harsh words. That will be double-plus-good, I think!

I'm sorry, but it's actually not. It's not hypocritical to call someone "pretentious" who really is being pretentious. Your reasoning makes no sense.

No, that's a horrible fucking idea. We NEED negative words, I'm not saying we need to be nice or PC to each other all the time

But by what criteria is someone being pretentious? Is it using big words when small ones will suffice? Going into overly elaborate explanations? Wearing a monocle? I'm no Stephen Fry but by invoking that name does any semblance of intellectual curiosity turn instead into a smug pretentious dick-waving contest?

If there's one thing forums are good for, its thought exercises

 

[MammothBlade]

You're right, we should just create a perfect language in which there are no mean or harsh words. That will be double-plus-good, I think!

I'm sorry, but it's actually not. It's not hypocritical to call someone "pretentious" who really is being pretentious. Your reasoning makes no sense.

No, that's a horrible fucking idea. We NEED negative words, I'm not saying we need to be nice or PC to each other all the time

But by what criteria is someone being pretentious? Is it using big words when small ones will suffice? Going into overly elaborate explanations? Wearing a monocle? I'm no Stephen Fry but by invoking that name does any semblance of intellectual curiosity turn instead into a smug pretentious dick-waving contest?

If there's one thing forums are good for, its thought exercises

Wow, I hope my sarcasm didn't fly over your head right there.

No, that's not the point. I don't think it's a good idea to label something or someone pretentious at the drop of a hat. If you actually understand the big words you're using, then I'd hardly call that pretentious. It's more like putting up a thin facade of something or other. Whether it's being a pseudo-intellectual, a fake DJ, a wannabe gangster, or even a so-called "gamer". It's not "pretentious" to see right through fake people when they don't add up.

 

[Weaver]

I'll admit, this thread wasn't entirely made based on whimsy and mirth (but kudos to you iBagel for really running with that 'fun with words' bit) but because I've noticed the word 'pretentious' just thrown out there without context on almost every occasion. Be it critique of Jim, Movie Bob, Yahtzee, or Extra Credits it seems having an opinion makes you pretentious.

That said, my particular reasoning for that obscene use of the word is what the hell does pretentious mean anyhow? I don't even mean a dictionary description but what do people seem to think it means? A synonym for arrogant? Putting on airs? Trying to make yourself seem more knowledgeable or important than you might genuinely be?

You're right, we should just create a perfect language in which there are no mean or harsh words. That will be double-plus-good, I think!

I'm sorry, but it's actually not. It's not hypocritical to call someone "pretentious" who really is being pretentious. Your reasoning makes no sense.

No, that's a horrible fucking idea. We NEED negative words, I'm not saying we need to be nice or PC to each other all the time

But by what criteria is someone being pretentious? Is it using big words when small ones will suffice? Going into overly elaborate explanations? Wearing a monocle? I'm no Stephen Fry but by invoking that name does any semblance of intellectual curiosity turn instead into a smug pretentious dick-waving contest?

If there's one thing forums are good for, its thought exercises

I don't really think it's the case of having an opinion that makes you pretentious. I feel James Portnow is very pretentious. He seems to believe that working in the gaming industry for a brief period of time gives him impunity to speak about every facet of gaming; including creation, business relations , history and even to how you as a consumer should be spending your money, with absolute impunity.

pre·ten·tious/priˈtenCHəs/Adjective: Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.

 

[OmniscientOstrich]

I find this thread pretentious.

 

[Esotera]

How is saying something is pretentious pretentious? For example, if a politician such as Rick Perry acts in a pretentious way, he is being pretentious, and deserves to be called pretentious - doing so doesn't necessarily make me pretentious. Is the hate against calling pretentious things pretentious just hate against long words? That probably sounds a bit pretentious, but I think it needs to be answered.

(decided to continue in the confusing nature of this thread)

Spoiler

pretentious!

 

[Kolby Jack]

Dammit I?m mad.
Evil is a deed as I live.
God, am I reviled? I rise, my bed on a sun, I melt.
To be not one man emanating is sad. I piss.
Alas, it is so late. Who stops to help?
Man, it is hot. I?m in it. I tell.
I am not a devil. I level ?Mad Dog?.
Ah, say burning is, as a deified gulp,
In my halo of a mired rum tin.
I erase many men. Oh, to be man, a sin.
Is evil in a clam? In a trap?
No. It is open. On it I was stuck.
Rats peed on hope. Elsewhere dips a web.
Be still if I fill its ebb.
Ew, a spider? eh?
We sleep. Oh no!
Deep, stark cuts saw it in one position.
Part animal, can I live? Sin is a name.
Both, one? my names are in it.
Murder? I?m a fool.
A hymn I plug, deified as a sign in ruby ash,
A Goddam level I lived at.
On mail let it in. I?m it.
Oh, sit in ample hot spots. Oh wet!
A loss it is alas (sip). I?d assign it a name.
Name not one bottle minus an ode by me:
?Sir, I deliver. I?m a dog?
Evil is a deed as I live.
Dammit I?m mad.

That is exactly the same backwards as it is forwards i.e. a palindrome.

I prefer Weird Al's take on it better:

 

[Hazy992]

If you use the word pretentious to describe something or someone you think is pretentious, then you're being pretentious.

By your own logic you're being pretentious by saying someone is being pretentious for describing someone else as pretentious. And now I'm being pretentious for saying you're being pretentious for saying someone is being pretentious for describing someone else as pretentious.

Do you see the problem yet?

Also, Holy shit 888th post!

 

[Thunderous Cacophony]

I don't really think it's the case of having an opinion that makes you pretentious. I feel James Portnow is very pretentious. He seems to believe that working in the gaming industry for a brief period of time gives him impunity to speak about every facet of gaming; including creation, business relations , history and even to how you as a consumer should be spending your money, with absolute impunity.

pre·ten·tious/priˈtenCHəs/Adjective: Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.

I approve of AC10 (btw, is that a reference to your Armour Class? If it is, you need to get yourself a Heavy Shield). I don't find Extra Credits pretentious overall, because they are trying to talk seriously and earnestly about a large industry with very poor PR and a lack of good discussion. However, there is definitely the possibility to call them pretentious, and calling people on what you perceive as their bullshit is the best form of free speech I know.

 

[Daystar Clarion]

Holy shit, the irony is killing me here.

I love it when things like this happen.

 

[flyingwithsharks]

Dammit I?m mad.
Evil is a deed as I live.
God, am I reviled? I rise, my bed on a sun, I melt.
To be not one man emanating is sad. I piss.
Alas, it is so late. Who stops to help?
Man, it is hot. I?m in it. I tell.
I am not a devil. I level ?Mad Dog?.
Ah, say burning is, as a deified gulp,
In my halo of a mired rum tin.
I erase many men. Oh, to be man, a sin.
Is evil in a clam? In a trap?
No. It is open. On it I was stuck.
Rats peed on hope. Elsewhere dips a web.
Be still if I fill its ebb.
Ew, a spider? eh?
We sleep. Oh no!
Deep, stark cuts saw it in one position.
Part animal, can I live? Sin is a name.
Both, one? my names are in it.
Murder? I?m a fool.
A hymn I plug, deified as a sign in ruby ash,
A Goddam level I lived at.
On mail let it in. I?m it.
Oh, sit in ample hot spots. Oh wet!
A loss it is alas (sip). I?d assign it a name.
Name not one bottle minus an ode by me:
?Sir, I deliver. I?m a dog?
Evil is a deed as I live.
Dammit I?m mad.

That is exactly the same backwards as it is forwards i.e. a palindrome.

Not if you count punctuation.

 

[him over there]

If you use the word pretentious to describe something or someone you think is pretentious, then you're being pretentious. If the original victim of the pretentious accusation was indeed being pretentious then the accuser is justified but remains pretentious. If the accused was not being pretentious then the it becomes that the original accuser of pretentious opinion is now solely pretentious.

So, what I guess I'm really saying is language is fun, but some words just don't need to be used. Unless its to make a self-righteous forum post, of course.

What if you were an english Professor who had an incredibly large vocabulary who was talking down to one of his (or her) pupils? Say the pupil was acting over their own ability in order to attempt to be seen as an equal to the professor. The professor asserts that they are indeed pretentious because the pupil is:

pre·ten·tious/priˈtenCHəs/Adjective: Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.

More over the professor possesses a great intellect and knowledge of his field, accurately labelling people as pretentious while not being pretentious themselves because they possess great expertise and authority over the english language. What I'm saying is this post is pretentious since I could have just said people who use the word pretentious unironically are just posers.

 

[flamingjimmy]

If you use the word pretentious to describe something or someone you think is pretentious, then you're being pretentious.

Nope, that does not follow.

It is entirely possible to use the word pretentious to describe someone or something without being pretentious

 

[Bomberman4000]

I was hoping this would turn into a discussion of favorite words. I feel mislead by the title. However, pretentious is one of my favorite words and one I feel accurately portrays most "reality celebrities." It's also fun to use words like pretentious around people who don't know what the word means. Yes I am aware that makes me pretentious.

Also "asinine" is a good one. Like what this thread has turned out to be.

 

[thylasos]

No OP, you're being a philistine or possibly anti-intellectual (subjectively) by labelling one thing or another as pretentious (subjectively).

It's interesting how little the etymology of the word is considered before its use, given that it derives, presumably, from pretense. A pretense of intellectualism, one would suppose, is what's to be inferred. Which is often not consistent with the use of the word by anti-intellectual philistines.

 

[AngloDoom]

Holy shit, the irony is killing me here.

I love it when things like this happen.

I get happy at first, but then when it keeps happening I start to get a little bit embarrassed. It's like X-Factor try-outs.

 

[imnot]

Yeah! Well you're bald!

What are you a dictionary or something!