I was just reading about a new technology I may soon be adding to the vast panoply of my web empire at http://masonbook.com/book/chapter-9.mhtml and the author at one point said "this argument is moot if"
Now the context of this quotation is irrelevant. What caught my attention was the use of the word moot. It's a fairly common word with which many have no trouble at all. Some, though, do not grasp the concept, I know not why, that there is such a word as "moot".
I only mention all this because it always irks me when someone talks about a "mute point".
For the record, folks, all you are doing when you talk about a "mute point" is letting the rest of us know that your vocabulary skill could use a little polishing. Of course, if I pointed out the proper pronunciation of the correct word to such people, they'd probably think I was dumb for making up words.
So the point is moot.
Note: In all honesty, I must admit that when I read the "official" definition of the word moot I was a little surprised. As defined, it lacks the connotation of irrelevance that is normally it's main usage point these days. Therefore, I was greatly relieved to see the Usage Note: at the bottom of the page linked above.
I have been using the word in a manner only semi-fitting to its official definition, but which is accepted by 59% of the Usage Panel of The American HeritageŽ Dictionary of the English Language- that is to imply that the discourse described as moot is not only open to debate but that it is "of no significance or relevance."
Posted by Roger at March 27, 2003 12:04 AMAre you then saying that people who are uncertain about the appropariate usage of the word moot should remain mute?
Posted by: Dad at May 13, 2003 06:03 AM