(RepublicanNews.org) – When dictionary services update definitions to reflect changes in the use of language, it’s certainly nothing new. Merriam-Webster’s explanation for its latest update is novel, however, and a bit suspect upon further examination.
Beginning October 14, Merriam-Webster updated its listing for the word “preference,” adding a fifth definition, calling it offensive. The move appeared to respond to an attack by Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) on Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s use of the word during her confirmation hearing earlier in the day.
Let me make clear – sexual preference is an offensive and outdated term.
To suggest sexual orientation is a choice? It's not. It's a key part of a person's identity.
The LGBTQ+ community should be concerned with #WhatsAtStake with Judge Barrett on the Supreme Court. pic.twitter.com/4TWyATMX0Y
— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) October 13, 2020
Twitter was quick to respond, with senior pastor and author Steve Cioccolanti and others questioning the revision’s underlying motive.
“Sexual preference” was redefined yesterday by Merriam-Webster as offensive, even though Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Joe Biden & even a gay magazine used the term many times AND leftist ideology asserts people CAN choose any of 50 gender identities. Stop manipulating language! pic.twitter.com/t43sWt1izk
— Steve Cioccolanti (@cioccolanti) October 15, 2020
As it turned out, that criticism was on target. Merriam-Webster’s Editor-at-Large, Peter Sokolowski, admitted the company updated the definition after it saw a spike in online searches for the term “in connection with the SCOTUS hearings.”
Sokolowski tried to play the change down, adding the word would have been updated eventually. However, Merriam-Webster has a long-standing history of trolling leading Conservatives like President Donald Trump, Kellyanne Conway, and others. Perhaps it should remain neutral about politics with less than three weeks left before the upcoming national elections.
Copyright 2020, RepublicanNews.org
