Seed pwned by Monsanto

[Alison]

How does it take away from the importance? It's not that it is hip [it inn't] it's that it is used in an 'I own you now' context. As described in the Urban Dictionary 'It basically means "to own" or to be dominated by an opponent or situation, especially by some god-like or computer-like force.' Hence completely appropriate in this context.

As I said, some will disagree . However since you've asked, I find that using a term that a high percentage of people won't understand can be counter productive. Text and urban speak often comes over as painfully idiotic and unnecessary and I've found that all too often if people can't be bothered to use proper grammar and vocabularly then their arguement is lacking too. In this case you make a good arguement but I find it is diluted by ridiculous vocabulary. I know you won't agree but I'm sure neither of us will lose sleep over it.

Oh yes, and when it was first highlighted as slang I assumed it was for a far worse word than owned and was a bit dubious about googling from a work laptop.

[Aberdeenplotter]

You have seen this peculiar term online, with expressions like "I got pwned!". Now, you hear it on the bus and in public as people speak about their personal lives. So what exactly does "pwned" mean? And is that the same a "pwnage"?
Answer: It can be pronounced as "owned" or as "poned", with both pronunciations being correct. In some cases, you will even hear it pronounced as "pawned". "Pwned" means "to be controlled against your will", or "to be defeated by a superior power". You might also hear the expression, "pwnage", which is the noun version of "being pwned".

This "pwn" expression originated in the 1980's from the word "owned". It was used to describe when a hacker would take remote control of a server or another computer. The use of "p" to replace "o" was simply a misspelling at first, but the spelling stuck as a stylistic point.

[zazen999]

So how do words get into common use if people don't use them? Our language evolves with new words all the time and who is to say what is ridiculous and what is entirely sensible? Just because you don't understand something doesn't make the speaker/writer idiotic and unnecessary. And surely the point of new words is to find out what the meaning is and make a new connection?

Saying we can't use words until the Collins English Dictionary includes them is defeating the object of writing and including new words in each new edition.

[piskieinboots]

My pead hurts

[zazen999]

It was used to describe when a hacker would take remote control of a server or another computer.

Exactly - hence using it in a situation where someone takes remote control of something else. Like the rights to seeds

I'm glad it's caused a small debate - as that's the point.

[MojoJojo]

I'm glad the thread has been put up. It contains links which we can all read and make our own minds up about. Its up to us as consumers about which specific forms of capitalism we support with our cash, and which ones we avoid. I may ask questions about carrots, and Zazen or others may have a certain viewpoint about them, but if I dont ask, I will remain confused, and then I can't make an informed choice. I can still choose to go and buy Chantenay carrot seeds or any other seeds that may or may not be linked with Monsanto after reading this thread. But at least then it would be an informed decision.

Um, except you're not making an informed decision. Chantenay is not a Monsanto trademark, or anyone's in the UK. It probably isn't in the US either. All that list seems to be is a list of seed Monsanto produces, along with many other producers. So avoiding all Chantenay seed is like avoiding all chocolate in case it was made by Nestle.

By the way, after checking out this thread yesterday I went on to the Real Seeds website and they've got some lovely looking varieties of carrots, so I may try a change this year anyway.

That's a good reason.

[donnakebab]

So it's a word you can't say then. It can only be communicated in writing. Means nothing to me either. It was the name Monsanto that drew my attention to the thread.

[binley100]

I didn't even notice it ......speed reading , just pick out important bits like Monsanto ......

[donnakebab]

As my mate at work says...Wag 1 ?

[Kaiya]

So it's a word you can't say then. It can only be communicated in writing. Means nothing to me either. It was the name Monsanto that drew my attention to the thread.

We are communicating in writing . And you can say it - as AP said - it's 'own', 'pone' or less commonly 'pawn'.

I didn't know what MPC or PSB referred to before joining this forum. Now I do. Such is social learning.

[Alison]

You have seen this peculiar term online, with expressions like "I got pwned!".

Err no, seen it in my life before this thread, hence my previous comments.

Now, you hear it on the bus and in public as people speak about their personal lives. So what exactly does "pwned" mean?

No, not heard it spoken either, and if I did I'd assume somebody was talking about "adult" literature / films as I assume that's how it's said.

[Aberdeenplotter]

For the avoidance of doubt, that was copied off a website. My personal opinion is that normally the use of such terms is puerile. In this particular instance, used to make a point so not puerile. Using words like puerile isn't puerile. I couldn't even spell it. thank goodness for spell checkers

[Alison]

For the avoidance of doubt, that was copied off a website. My personal opinion is that normally the use of such terms is puerile. In this particular instance, used to make a point so not puerile. Using words like puerile isn't puerile. I couldn't even spell it. thank goodness for spell checkers

Lol - just thinking that the word "puerile" is a funny looking word

[Thelma Sanders]

Seeds? as long as they're not genetically modified - I'll grow them

[Aberdeenplotter]

Lol - just thinking that the word "puerile" is a funny looking word

I honestly thought it was peurile but that looks odd as well