This probably indicates little more than how compulsive I am about precise use of words (hey, I'm an INTP...and 'cause the Meyers-Briggs is destiny, I can't help myself, right?)
...but one thing I like about this (very funny song: even if it's also kinda sad) is how he wrote:
I winced at her words
You know I always hated that word, "cosmic"
Why? Because it seems as if dozens of times a month, I encounter instances in which people use the word "cringe," when the word befitting their intended usage is "wince."
To cringe: it means to crouch or bend, in a servile manner.
If you wince: literally, it implies defensive body-language, as if you're expecting to be struck. More commonly, it describes a facial expression--or, merely a thought--anticipating (or reacting to) something unpleasant.
I can understand why people associate the two words. Either can be used to describe someone fearing a hostile reaction.
But it's extremely insulting to describe someone as cringing; it (at least) implies cowardice, often with a connotation of deception.
To wince: that reflects more on the person whose words/behavior cause the wincing. But it's neutral, with respect to the person who winces.
I've more than exhausted my quota for professorial demeanor, after writing this.
This probably indicates little more than how compulsive I am about precise use of words (hey, I'm an INTP...and 'cause the Meyers-Briggs is destiny, I can't help myself, right?)
...but one thing I like about this (very funny song: even if it's also kinda sad) is how he wrote:
I winced at her words You know I always hated that word, "cosmic"
Why? Because it seems as if dozens of times a month, I encounter instances in which people use the word "cringe," when the word befitting their intended usage is "wince."
To cringe: it means to crouch or bend, in a servile manner.
If you wince: literally, it implies defensive body-language, as if you're expecting to be struck. More commonly, it describes a facial expression--or, merely a thought--anticipating (or reacting to) something unpleasant.
I can understand why people associate the two words. Either can be used to describe someone fearing a hostile reaction.
But it's extremely insulting to describe someone as cringing; it (at least) implies cowardice, often with a connotation of deception.
To wince: that reflects more on the person whose words/behavior cause the wincing. But it's neutral, with respect to the person who winces.
I've more than exhausted my quota for professorial demeanor, after writing this.