# The Most Unique Thread in the Pit! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 7, 2004, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951 "2004-05-07T02:46:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SnakeSpirit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snakespirit/32/7271_2.png) [@SnakeSpirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakeSpirit)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/1 "2004-05-07T02:46:42Z")
A pet peeve of mine; I call people on it all the time. There’s a class of words called absolute terms. They are nouns that describe (duh) an absolute condition. Perhaps the most obvious one is “unique.” Attaching modifying adjectives to absolute nouns just doesn’t do anything except show how stupid you are. For example: A thing is unique, or it is not. Unique means that it is one of a kind, so there is nothing to measure it against. Terms like “totally unique,” “almost unique,” “most unique,” etc., are meaningless (yes, the title’s a joke). Recently, in another part of SDMB, a person who claimed to have graduate degrees in English and law used the term “almost universal,” which I challenged because universal is an absolute (i.e., something that is universal occurs or operates in _ **all** _ instances). That person said it is a valid phrase, and I countered saying that it was merely a way to make a statement emotionally laden, that is, it’s merely rhetoric designed to sway the suseptible to your point of view. Ideal is another absolute. Dead. Best (he’s the very best…). There’s tons more. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Devil\_s\_Grandmother](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/74df32/32.png) [@The\_Devil\_s\_Grandmother](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Devil_s_Grandmother)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/2 "2004-05-07T02:53:36Z")
> [@Snakespirit](#): > > Recently, in another part of SDMB, a person who claimed to have graduate degrees in English and law used the term “almost universal,” Some amazingly dumb people get into college and eventually fall out the other end with a degree. Would it have been less offensive if the individual in question admitted to being a dropout? ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/3 "2004-05-07T03:03:29Z")
Bullshit. Almost unique clearly means one of only a few, as in, if it weren’t for that one other guy named Tarquin Fintimlimbimlimbimwhimbimlin Bus Stop Ftang Ftang Olay Biscuit Barrel (Silly Party), Mr. Barrel would have a unique name. Clearly, his name is much closer to being unique than is that of Alan Jones (Sensible Party). Mr. Jones’ name is not almost unique. Almost universal has a similarly obvious meaning. Granted, one thing can’t be more unique (or more universal) than another, but things can obviously be almost unique or almost universal. Just because there are no degrees of having a property doesn’t mean that there aren’t degrees of not having it. ---
**Author:** ![Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimmy_Chitwood)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/4 "2004-05-07T03:09:09Z")
What the hell? You can’t almost die? You can’t, after meeting a woman who is perfect for you in every way except that she is one inch too short, call that woman almost ideal? ---
**Author:** ![minty\_green](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f6c823/32.png) [@minty\_green](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minty_green)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/5 "2004-05-07T03:15:27Z")
I’ve been pitted before, but this is undoubtedly the stupidest pitting I’ve ever received. Also, you’re wrong. And stupid. Possibly ugly too. [Link](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=254079). ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_B.Phart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc29f/32.png) [@Capt\_B.Phart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_B.Phart)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/6 "2004-05-07T03:18:04Z")
You’re trying to apply _logic_ to the English language? Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![SnakeSpirit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snakespirit/32/7271_2.png) [@SnakeSpirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakeSpirit)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/7 "2004-05-07T03:25:20Z")
> [@minty green](#): > > I’ve been pitted before, but this is undoubtedly the stupidest pitting I’ve ever received. > > Also, you’re wrong. And stupid. Possibly ugly too. 😛[Link](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=254079). :rolleyes: “Those without sufficient reason in an argument will resort to namecalling.” Someone Famous I never mentioned who it was, dumkopf! I was pitting the action, not you. But since you’re here… 😛 I’m right, \*\*you \*\* are wrong. I sure am stupid but you got me beat. 😃 And you are one arrogant asshole! Nice seeing you again. ---
**Author:** ![SnakeSpirit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snakespirit/32/7271_2.png) [@SnakeSpirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakeSpirit)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/8 "2004-05-07T03:30:30Z")
> [@Jimmy Chitwood](#): > > What the hell? You can’t almost die? Sure you can. But people who jump in with two feet without reading the original post should die all the way. Dead. You are either dead or you are alive. Die isn’t a noun. You can’t be partly dead, more dead, uniquely dead, totally dead (since it’s just the same as dead), nearly dead (since you aren’t, your alive!), etc. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/9 "2004-05-07T03:36:37Z")
Nice try at a save, **Snakespirit** , but you fucked up, and now you won’t admit it. True, one thing can’t be “more unique” than another, or be the “most unique” thing, but it can certainly be “almost unique” (there are only two of them in the world - each of them is almost unique). Try it with “empty.” One glass can’t be “more empty” than another (it’s either empty or it isn’t), or be the “most empty.” But a glass can sure as hell be “almost empty.” You’re an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/10 "2004-05-07T03:38:34Z")
> [@Snakespirit](#): > > Die isn’t a noun. Neither is “dead.” ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/11 "2004-05-07T03:39:20Z")
So, if I told you to “break a leg” I’d be threatening you physically? For someone who thinks they’re so right, you sure seem obtuse. Literal definitions and usages of words change with time. Awesome used to mean “awe inspiring”, now it means “cool”, and that’s a whole different matter. I could point out a bunch more examples, but it seems that you’re aware of them. People will continue to allow the English language to evolve, along with definitions and connotations. You, however, will still be standing there with your OED, fading into obscurity. This doesn’t seem to me to be an issue that one can be definitively “for” or “against”. As long as the idea is properly conveyed, the language did it’s job. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/12 "2004-05-07T03:39:29Z")
Oh, and just so you don’t keep trying to wriggle out of it: > [@Snakespirit](#): > > Terms like “totally unique,” **“almost unique,”** “most unique,” etc., are meaningless (yes, the title’s a joke). (bolding mine) ---
**Author:** ![Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimmy_Chitwood)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/13 "2004-05-07T03:40:48Z")
OK, number one, you just intimated that I should die. Fuck you. Absolutely. I read the whole OP, jackass. I also read everything in the link **minty green** provided, and I am now almost completely the nearly dumbest person in the world as a result. If you’re sick, and you’re so sick that you almost die, but you don’t, what are you? Nearly dead. If you nearly died, then you were nearly dead. I know what a noun is. I know what a verb is. I also know not to start threads shooting off about subjects of which I am almost absolutely ignorant. By my count, I’m one up on you. ---
**Author:** ![SnakeSpirit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snakespirit/32/7271_2.png) [@SnakeSpirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakeSpirit)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/14 "2004-05-07T03:41:11Z")
> [@Gorsnak](#): > > Bullshit. > > Almost unique clearly means one of only a few, as in, if it weren’t for that one other guy named Tarquin Fintimlimbimlimbimwhimbimlin Bus Stop Ftang Ftang Olay Biscuit Barrel (Silly Party), Mr. Barrel would have a unique name. Clearly, his name is much closer to being unique than is that of Alan Jones (Sensible Party). Mr. Jones’ name is not almost unique. > > Almost universal has a similarly obvious meaning. > > Granted, one thing can’t be more unique (or more universal) than another, but things can obviously be almost unique or almost universal. Just because there are no degrees of having a property doesn’t mean that there aren’t degrees of not having it. Your second paragraph makes less sense than your first. Mr. Jones’ name is NOT unique at all! Not nearly, not almost, not nothing. Mr, Barrel’s name may be unique, and likely it is. So what? Almost universal is just an ass fuck, for the same reason. Not that it hasn’t fallen into common usage, which doesn’t make it correct English, just colloquial. Let’s see, an almost universal joint would move in most directions, but not all, right? :smack: I’m surrounded by idiots. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/15 "2004-05-07T03:42:47Z")
> [@Snakespirit](#): > > I’m surrounded by idiots. This must mean that there’s more than one of him. Shudder. ---
**Author:** ![SnakeSpirit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snakespirit/32/7271_2.png) [@SnakeSpirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakeSpirit)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/16 "2004-05-07T03:46:41Z")
> [@Jimmy Chitwood](#): > > Fuck you. Absolutely. > > By my count, I’m one up on you. [ol]Gee, OK. I hope you’re cute. [li]Can’t count or speak English, well, that’s OK if you’re good in bed.[/li][/ol] ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/17 "2004-05-07T03:46:46Z")
The belief that **Snakespirit** is a moron is almost universally held. The only person who doesn’t believe it is **Snakespirit**. If we can make him see the light, the belief will be universally held. As it should be. ---
**Author:** ![leander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bcef8e/32.png) [@leander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leander)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/18 "2004-05-07T03:50:46Z")
Let’s see what _[The American Heritage Book of English Usage](http://www.bartleby.com/64/C001/002.html)_ has to say: > [@](#): > > absolute terms > > Absolute terms are words that supposedly cannot be compared, as by more and most, or used with an intensive modifier, such as very or so. \ > > People object to these constructions because they seem to violate the categories of logic. Something is either complete or it isn’t. Lines are either perpendicular or they aren’t. There can be no in-between. The mistake here is to confuse pure logic or a mathematical ideal with the working approximations that distinguish the ordinary use of language. Certainly, we all have occasion to use words according to strict logic. It would be impossible to teach mathematics if we did not. But we also think in terms of a scale or spectrum, rather than in distinct, either/or categories. Thus, we may think of a statement as either true or false according to rigorous tests of logic, but we all know that there are degrees of truthfulness and falsehood. Similarly, there may be degrees of completeness to a record collection, and some lines may be more perpendicular—that is, they may more nearly approximate mathematical perpendicularity—than other lines… \ And now, about that damn word _[unique](http://www.bartleby.com/64/C003/0293.html#UNIQUE)_: > [@](#): > > unique > > Unique may be the foremost example of the absolute term—a term that, in the eyes of traditional grammarians, should not allow comparison or modification by an adverb of degree like very, somewhat, or quite. Thus, most grammarians believe that it is incorrect to say that something is _very unique_ or _more unique_ than something else, though phrases such as _nearly unique_ and _almost unique_ are acceptable, since in these cases unique is not modified by an adverb of degree. (underlining mine) ---
**Author:** ![SnakeSpirit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snakespirit/32/7271_2.png) [@SnakeSpirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakeSpirit)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/19 "2004-05-07T03:57:37Z")
> [@leander](#): > > Let’s see what _[The American Heritage Book of English Usage](http://www.bartleby.com/64/C001/002.html)_ has to say: > > And now, about that damn word _[unique](http://www.bartleby.com/64/C003/0293.html#UNIQUE)_:(underlining mine) Hot shit. I stand corrected. :o It still bugs the shit out of me though… I also acknowledge another major fuck-up: dead is an adjective… I _ **said** _ I was stupid! ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2004, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951/20 "2004-05-07T03:58:21Z")
> [@Snakespirit](#): > > Your second paragraph makes less sense than your first. Mr. Jones’ name is NOT unique at all! Not nearly, not almost, not nothing. Mr, Barrel’s name may be unique, and likely it is. So what? > > Almost universal is just an ass fuck, for the same reason. Not that it hasn’t fallen into common usage, which doesn’t make it correct English, just colloquial. > > Let’s see, an almost universal joint would move in most directions, but not all, right? :smack: > > I’m surrounded by idiots. No, those are just mirrors. Allow me to explain this in nice, simple, short words. Many of these absolute terms, including, by happy accident, both ‘unique’ and ‘universal’, refer to properties at one end of a possible spectrum. Now, you are quite right that there are no degrees of uniqueness or universality. However, those things which occupy positions on the spectrum other than the extreme end occupy positions which _do_ bear varying degrees of closeness to the end. Hence, things can be closer or further away from uniqueness or universality, and in cases of extreme closeness, might be accurately described as being almost unique or universal. Or, as I said the first time round, just because there are no degrees of having a property doesn’t mean there are no degrees of not having that property. You may, of course, continue with your prescriptivist grammarian rant if you so desire. But you should really know that universal joints can’t move in all directions. :eek: Horrifying, I know. Let’s all sue General Motors for crimes against the English language. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-unique-thread-in-the-pit/243951.md?page=2)