Sunday, October 21, 2012

KEBO'S POCKET DICTIONARY OF OUTDOORSMAN WORDS AND PHRASES-- STIPULATIVE DEFINITIONS


A stipulative definition is a type of definition that occurs when a new or currently-existing term [or phrase] is given a specific meaning for the purposes of argument or discussion in a given context. When the term [or phrase] already exists, this definition may, but does not necessarily, contradict the dictionary (lexical) definition of the term. Because of this, a stipulative definition cannot be "correct" or "incorrect"; it can only differ from other definitions, but it can be useful for its intended purpose. Source: See Wikipedia.
In the course of participating in outdoor adventures, words always take on different meanings depending upon the outdoorsman uttering them, the manner of the utterance, and the context of the utterance. Beginning outdoorsmen must be alert, indeed vigilent, to such subtleties. The failure of a beginnning Outdoorsman (and sometimes an Experienced Outdoorsman) to pay close attention to statements made by those he/she is accompanying on an outdoor adventure, and a quick reference to KEBO'S POCKET DICTIONARY OF OUTDOORSMAN WORDS AND PHRASES, is essential to one's very own safety as well as physical and mental well being.
I will begin with an example to wet your appetite for knowledge and heighten your desire to quickly purchase a copy of KEBO'S POCKET DICTIONARY OF OUTDOORSMAN WORDS AND PHRASES.
"I think..."
Merriam-Webster 's Definition: To have as an opinion.
KEBO'S STIPULATIVE DEFINITION: I have no F**king Clue!
Usage Example: Outdoorsmen 'A' and 'B' are faced with a decision on whether to proceed through  thick and impenetratable underbrush, or proceed down a spring runoff swollen stream, towards their destination. (Forget for the moment that the 'destination' may be unclear to either or both Outdoorsmen). In discussing the situation and attempting to determine which manner of proceeding to the 'destination' should be chosen, Outdoorsmen 'A' says to Outdoorsman 'B': "I think if we walk down the stream we will reach the river and arrive at our 'destination'; the 'good fishing hole'." Merriam-Webster's definition would lead the inexperienced Outdoorsman to believe that Outdoorsman 'A' has rendered an opinion, based upon outdoorsmanship training and skill, that the prescribed manner of proceeding to the 'destination' is to proceed down the swollen stream. However, in Outdoorsman language, as clarified by KEBO, any experienced Outdoorsman would understand, and translate, the statement of Outdoorsman 'A' as actually being: "I have no F**king Clue which way we should go!" As you can see from the 'context' of the statement, understanding the true meaning of what was being stated can be of life or death importance to any outdoorsman. As you can also see from the Example, other words such as 'destination' and 'good fishing hole' require attention too, and a quick purchase of KEBO'S POCKET DICTIONARY OF OUTDOORSMAN WORDS AND PHRASES.
 

1 comment:

Cedar Street Kid said...


It is certainly best to never follow someone who leads with the words. "I think". Without a doubt it means “I am lost, but I sure as heck don’t want to admit it.”