On 31/03/2021 13:49, NY wrote:
"Max Demian" wrote in message
...
On 30/03/2021 18:24, HVS wrote:
On 30 Mar 2021, NY wrote

The English language really does need another word to mean
"received a serious *but non-fatal* electric shock". Maybe we
should avoid being King Canutes, and accept that people will use
"electrocuted" for the non-fatal meaning, and devise a new wording
such as "electrocuted to death".

"Electrocuted to death" is in fairly common use -- but it hasnn't
solved the problem, as "electrocution" continues to be used for both
fatal and non-fatal shocks.

Similar ambiguity when it is said that someone has been "shot".

Ambiguous, yes. But I wouldn't say that "shot" (non-fatally) was wrong
usage, just that "shot" *is* ambiguous and I would always clarify "shot
dead" or "shot but survived".

"Electrocution" is different. That really needs a different word for
"shocked but survived". We need to invent such a word ;-)

I think that is at least adjacent to Canute-like as major dictionaries
(including the OED) have already recognised that in practice use it to
cover death and [serious] injury. But I also think you have a perfect
right to lobby for a body similar to the Académie Française with
whatever statutory backing you think fit. Eg. fines for misusing
"screw" and "bolt"

--
Robin
reply-to address is (intended to be) valid