[Dixielandjazz] Dixieland

[Stephen Barbone]

No doubt, but which PREscriptive grammerians should we ask? I haven't yet seen
a PREscriptive definition of Dixieland. If we knew one who could answer
correctly, we would not be so confused. ;-) VBG

Inquiringly,
Steve Barbone

PS. The second part of my post was a suggestion that we re-read what Sudhalter
says about the issue. He does agree that the dictionary definition is not
right, however also that it seems to be common usage. Me, I agree with Bill
Gunter. We all know what it means, however, we cannot define it.

Charlie Hooks wrote:

> on 4/9/03 9:28 AM, Stephen Barbone at barbonestreet at earthlink.net wrote:
>
> > For a treat list mates, look up "Dixieland" in your dictionary. Mine
> > (Webster's 1998) says:
> >
> > DIXIELAND: adj. "in, of, or like a style of small band, improvised jazz
> > characterized by fast ragtime tempos and a strict beat, and associated
> > historically with early white New Orleans musicians."
>
> The lexicographers would claim they are only quoting general usage.  This
> kind of crap is the result of descriptive grammarians.   Of course it's dead
> wrong!  But they can't tell you what's right or wrong: that would be done by
> a PREscriptive grammarian, and those people are all old fuddies.  Modern
> descriptive dictionaries just quote what people do say, and if those people
> are themselves ignorant, then you are stuck with misinformation.
>
> Not very useful, is it?
>
> Remember this next time you are tempted to use a dictionary to "win" an
> argument.  Noah Webster spins in his grave with every new edition of "his"
> dictionary.