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 over 9 years ago
Rockette Hat?
Grildobkin over 9 years ago
Rocket Bonnet?
Coyoty Premium Member over 9 years ago
“Rocky the Flying Girl”. No, forget I said that. I want to live.
emmasweeny over 9 years ago
Can’t wait to see her and the Judger team up.
ChessPirate over 9 years ago
Apparently she can’t hear herself over her Titan Boosters…
ehtaniguchi over 9 years ago
The Moon Emperor is wearing a minidress. That does look wrong.
Rush Strong Premium Member over 9 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 over 9 years ago
2013 was a fine vintage!
Frederick Barnett Premium Member over 9 years ago
This, is a classic!