Actual questions

[essbeejay]

When did people get away from distinguishing between the definitions of the words “rant” vs. “rave?” In the past few years I've seen multiple people use the word “rant” in a positive context. I went into “articles” (more like: Tumblr/Twitter posts) where, since the author used the word “rant” I presumed there was going to be excited criticism, but no! It was excited adulation! Did we all collectively forget that if we're singing something's praises to the point of looking maniacal, it's actually called a rave and not a rant? Or did I learn English wrong? Is this what it's like to be an Old?

… I know this is basically a mini-rant about, well, ranting, and the ridiculousness of this does not escape me.

Comments

[doubledoe]

I can sort of understand The Young People not thinking of the word "rave" outside of glowsticks and hot topic parachute pants because you don't hear it quite as often anymore, but to me "rant" is still firmly negative. Childrens should say "joyous word vomit" or something

all of this coming from someone who doesn't capitalize

[otakuspirit]

as someone who went to a series of very strict schools when it comes to grammar, context, and diction, it bothers me when i hear this in conversation. i try not to correct them in the moment because people mistake me for being intentionally elitist (and sometimes even racist, as PoCs have less of an opportunity of receiving an education that was parallel to mine, but as a PoC i'm just like ???).
i seem to be more tolerant when i see these things online. maybe it is because, i too, have been a young kid on the internet who was just excited to put words out there. maybe its just because the masses have gotten to me and i've stopped giving a shit about being proper when i'm in an informal situation.
this is all to say: you're not the only one! it makes me feel old and sometimes even classist, but that's what makes you stand out from the rest. when you use words, you use them right and, dammit, that's something good!