# I pit (some) dog owners

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-some-dog-owners/558848>\
**Category:** The BBQ Pit\
**Created:** [October 30, 2010, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-some-dog-owners/558848 "2010-10-30T02:25:40Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 105

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**Author:** ![Ostrya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/35a633/32.png) [@Ostrya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ostrya)\
**Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-some-dog-owners/558848/105 "2010-11-14T15:49:32Z")

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My point about abbreviations was not intended a broad sweep against them, (which in context all its own, reads that way) but was inspired by the disagreement in this thread. Some abbreviations are used regularly - those that are are beneficial to learn. Some don’t fall into regularly used category, others occupy a grey area.  
The quote snatched below from the Debate forum, using to make a point. (in bold provided by OP of thread in GD)

> [@Help needed: Debate AGAINST legalisation of cannabis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-debate-against-legalisation-of-cannabis/560596/14):
>
> University debater checking in. The neg/op to legalised pot is very difficult, but here are my brief thoughts on what I’d run for a case. I’m sure others could add to it, but I think it would be enough for **an OO or a decent CO extension at WUDC, or a neg case in Australia-Asian style.**

To which the OP replies..

> [@](#):
>
> _Blinks_  
> Otherwise thank you for the post.

The point is that if one is trying to communicate, using abbreviations that others are likely to not understand is counterproductive to making oneself understood.

If your prerogative is to talk down using abbreviations any time you want, you might be doing yourself an overall disservice - it’s not reasonable to expect someone to research abbreviations in order to understand you - people have better things to do with time and energy.

Using abbreviations with attitude “don’t care if someone doesn’t understand, they must be an idiot”, “it only takes a second to look it up, if they don’t want to take the time to do that, fuck em”, is not only arrogant, but detrimental - if one’s goal is to be understood, communicate with others, and not simply come off like a curlcoat.

How long does it take to type out German Shepherd Dog? And is it possible even if unfamiliar with the abbreviation, one’s opinion (concerning thread topic) might still have enough value to be worth contributing?  
I think it should be obvious that although unfamiliar with a bonafide AKC certified & approved abbreviation, someone might still know plenty about dog behavior - certainly enough to positively contribute to the topic being discussed in this thread.

In summary, stuff it in your pompous ass, curlcoat.

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