[Dixielandjazz] Dixieland

[Bill Gunter]

Hello Listmates,

Both Andy Ling and Steve Barbone quote dictionaries for a definition of 
"dixieland." They got some salient definitions BUT . . .

Those are only "generalized" definitions of the word.

In actuality, a word only MEANS what I want it to MEAN when I say it in some 
context.

The ULTIMATE definition of a word is what the user has in mind, dictionaries 
to the contrary notwithstanding.

Therefore, it does no actual good nor does it resolve any specific question 
when one quotes Mr. Webster.

When we, here in the DJML, say the D word we are in pretty close agreement 
about the sort of music to which we refer. But the specific meaning is 
whatever is in the head of the guy uttering or writing the D word and the 
closet clue to that meaning as far as the listener is concerned is the 
CONTEXT.

Other than that, any word is just a set of characters which can be used to 
set air molecules in vibration or make odd arrangements of funny lines on a 
piece of paper. There IS NO INHERENT MEANING IN THE WORD "DIXIELAND" ANY 
MORE THAN THERE IS AN INHERENT MEANING IN THE WORD "GAZORNENPLAT!" It has to 
be used in some sort of context first.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill "Blxtphc" Gunter
jazzboard at hotmail.com

ps - It's really amazing the human beings can understand one another at all 
even with a sophisticated language like (fill in favorite language here).

-bg

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