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From: norcott@cca.UUCP (Bill Norcott)
Newsgroups: net.women,net.flame
Subject: Mutilation ... of the English language
Message-ID: <2518@cca.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 13-May-85 16:27:50 EDT
Article-I.D.: cca.2518
Posted: Mon May 13 16:27:50 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 16-May-85 07:25:01 EDT
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Xref: linus net.women:4551 net.flame:9019


	Why do we bandy about the word 'mutilation' when refering to women
shaving their legs, etc. ?  My handy Webster's dictionary gives the following
definitions for the word:

	MUTILATE
	1. to cut off or permanently destroy a limb or essential part	
		of (CRIPPLE)
	2. to cut up or alter radically so as to make imperfect (MAIM)

	I suggest the word grooming ('to make neat or attractive') is more
appropriate.  I have no opinion concerning women's personal grooming habits,
but I am opposed to MAIMING the English language to make a political (??)
statement...

						Best wishes to all,
						  Bill Norcott