Search results

I've re-checked the Collins link and you are quite right in that case, I'll put me missing that down to the slightly wonky vision I still have after having had an emergency eye operation on New Year's Eve. I've already agreed that there is a debate about whether the term is offensive so I don't...

NSC at it's finest! :lolol:

Thank you for that considered response. I'm still mulling over the offensive aspect, though that is a more general philosophical question. Is a word offensive if the person who uses it doesn't know it has offensive connotations and doesn't use it to offend, if the other person in the...

I'm not sure what point you are trying to make, the first two dictionaries I picked up in my house had the same definition without the offensive prefix. I assume the second Google link was Collins? That has two definitions, the American one does indeed say offensive, but the English one as...

You absolutely did not answer my question.

Okay, I'll leave it there as you seem to be getting the wrong impression. If you can't answer the question I asked, that is fine, I won't ask again.

I was hoping for historical evidence as to why 'oriental' shouldn't have been listed as a noun rather than being presented with another dictionary definition where it is listed as a noun. The mistake continues to be perpetuated apparently.

General avoidance more like. I am actually interested, so if you could point me in the direction of some reference material supporting your position that'd be much appreciated.

I don't see the relevance of that, how you use language is always a choice. I am interested to hear why you think all the dictionary definitions of 'oriental' are wrong though, when this alleged mistake happened, and why it has been perpetuated.

Well, that is a choice you are allowed to make.

You'll presumably concede the use of language point now though, given the consensus of the various dictionary definitions?

None that I have read have suggested that it is no longer used as a noun. There are online definitions that say it could be considered offensive or derogatory, but that mainly seems to be a North American definition. In all honesty this thread is the first time I have ever seen it suggested...

Right, I've taken some time out of my Saturday evening to check some dictionaries and can confirm that 'oriental' can be used as a noun referring to a native of East Asia.