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To: usafsk
The NK forces will be decimated if they leave their garrisons and cross the DMZ.

I doubt we'd settle for 10%.

19 posted on 10/21/2005 8:25:21 AM PDT by ASA Vet (Line the border with trebuchets.)
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To: ASA Vet

I recognize that the original meaning of decimate was to reduce by 1/10, a punishment applied to mutinous legions in the Roman Army. However, most usage experts have long accepted a broader meaning of decimate: to destroy or kill a large part of a population or group. I do not like it's usage when referring to things other than populations of people or animals.

Usage beyond the original meaning dates back for at least 300 years.


46 posted on 10/22/2005 6:22:54 AM PDT by usafsk ((Know what you're talking about before you dance the QWERTY waltz))
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