Topic: Decimation

A critique of the word "decimate" leads into a report on the vulnerability of Ukrainian cities like Lviv to high-trajectory ballistic missiles. The U.S. recently shut down its embassy in Kiev following warnings of missile tests. The segment highlights that while cruise missiles are easier to intercept, the new Russian ballistic technology poses a unique challenge to existing defense systems.

Modern dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary, have updated the definition of "decimate" to include widespread destruction. Historically, the term referred specifically to the removal of one-tenth of a group. Linguists note that the word is now commonly accepted as a synonym for "devastate," reflecting changes in popular usage over time.

Donald Trump mocked the current military leadership, suggesting privates will soon refuse orders from generals. He also praised the Space Force, noting that Russia and China are competing "big league." The hosts digress into a linguistic correction of Trump's frequent use of the word "decimated," noting its historical definition of removing 10% versus the modern usage of total destruction.

France 24 reported on the "apocalyptic" scenes in California, where wildfire smoke turned the sky an eerie orange. The report noted that 80% of structures in the town of Malden, Washington, were destroyed. The hosts critiqued the reporter's use of the word "decimated," noting that historically it refers to a 10% loss rather than total destruction, though they acknowledge the word's meaning has evolved in common usage.

Hurricane Dorian impacted Nova Scotia and the British Isles after causing significant destruction in the Bahamas, specifically the island of Abaco and Marsh Harbor. A linguistic critique of the word "decimated" notes that its historical Roman definition refers to the removal of 10% of a group, though modern usage has evolved to mean total destruction. Media reports are criticized for using the term inaccurately while describing the storm's aftermath.

The hosts discuss the etymological misuse of the word "decimate" by Secretary of State John Kerry and General John Allen. While modern usage implies total destruction, the historical definition refers to killing one in ten soldiers. The conversation transitions into the difficulty the U.S. military faces in dismantling ISIS's messaging and financial infrastructure.

A listener's "words matter" email sparks a debate over the definition of "decimated," which historically meant killing one in ten but has evolved to mean total destruction. This leads to a humorous and speculative discussion on the etymology of terms like "penal code," "testimony," and "gay," exploring how meanings have shifted over centuries.