Name rationale: Semantic Argument

Let’s start with some basic background information.

From Wikipedia: A semantic dispute is a disagreement that arises if the parties involved disagree about whether a particular claim is true, not because they disagree on material facts, but rather because they disagree on the definitions of a word (or several words) essential to formulating the claim at issue.

From Dictionary.com: se-man-tic [si-man-tik], adjective: of, pertaining to, or arising from the different meanings of words or other symbols: semantic change; semantic confusion.

Also from Dictionary.com: ar-gu-ment [ahr-gyuh-muhnt], noun:

1. an oral disagreement; verbal opposition; contention; altercation: a violent argument.
2. a discussion involving differing points of view; debate: They were deeply involved in an argument about inflation.
3. a process of reasoning; series of reasons: I couldn’t follow his argument.
4. a statement, reason, or fact for or against a point: This is a strong argument in favor of her theory.
5. an address or composition intended to convince or persuade; persuasive discourse.
6. subject matter; theme: The central argument of his paper was presented clearly.

This blog is intended as a place to post thoughts about words and their impact—specifically, the role of language and word choice in corporate branding, naming, advertising, politics, and life in general. Hence the blog’s name: Semantic Argument.

As a brand strategist (or account planner), I think a lot about messages—both their intended effect and their inferred meanings—and many posts here will highlight messages that I find especially profound, creative, effective, unsuccessful, comical, or otherwise worth noting.

And lastly, a visual aid:

Click to 0:59 seconds in. If you haven’t seen it, rent the movie sometime.