Here we go again....

......Harriet Harman, Burnham and the Sharhar Ali of the Greens also criticising Cameron for using the "derogatory" term 'swarm' when referring to Calais migrants . The latter said "we would all be disgusted by the language...." Err no! because I studied language and have a fairly large vocabulary.

Try looking it up in a Dictionary Harriett!! (God help us if she gets into office)

Examples - One or more dictionary definitions:

To move or assemble in a crowd

A large number grouped together and usually in motion e.g. a swarm of mosquitos a swarm of tourists, the defence 'swarmed all over the quarterback'

A Common enough useage referring to a crowd of people on the move.

Left wing sh*t stirring again trying t make political capital out of nothing!

 

Thought you were happy with being 1200 miles away from the UK in that utopian law abiding incorruptible tolerant society of Italy.

 

I'd suggest counseling this obsession is getting out of hand. you remind me of Stan Boardman talking about Gerrmans.

 

Yes but I do occasionally like to visit UK via the tunnel!!!
Family ties

 

That's what they all say

 

Just shows how ignorant some people are re. Meaning of words. Generally swarming is applied to bees etc. but it does apply to other animals.

 

I would have used the word "infestation".

 

....AND persons' was the point I was making. I have used it in that context over many years without meaning anything disparaging or derogatory. According to dictionary definitions (including the OED) the meaning has not changed (unlike the word 'Gay' which used to mean simply happy, cheerful, bright! an now has adifferent connotation)

 

Oi!! Stop stirring!! You are not helping!

 

Having a "fairly large vocabularly" isn't any use if you're a salami munching I-Tie.

 

Thanks, you just disproved your own point by introducing an important word - CONTEXT.

 

Aw! Shucks guys! I never thought you were so interested in my mental health..

... I am truly touched by your concerns. Talk about ME being obsessed!!

THAT is TRUE irony that you so quickly responded to my post.

I just felt the need to register that HH and opportunistic opposition were not speaking on everyones behalf when stating we we all "outraged at Cameron's language"

Incidentally, none of you, despite challenges from other posters on here, have offered any solution except to express moral indignation and contempt for anyone who dares question the right of these migrants to break thlaw whilst trying to get across the UK border. (Oh ad let's not foret th 'racism card that is overplayed becase most of you haen't got a clue.

So go on! What would you do if you had the power and authority to deal with the situation?

 

Nice WU

 

Err nope! Sorry.. don't get that. Please explain. You are being too cryptic.

 

Eh??? The word in the OED is used when referring to people in groups on the move. You really are clutching at straws to justify your position aren't you. Head in the clouds?

 

PS As I said UNLIKE the word Gay the dictionary definition of SWARM has NOT changed and has ALWAYS included groups of people and STILL DOES.

Only someone as blinkered as yourself would find the word offensive in any given context.

 

When the Germans "swarmed" across the Polish border in September 1939 I wonder if the politically correct bods in Europe worried about offending them by calling them a swarm?
Appeasement then means the same now. Turn a blind eye and do nothing hoping it will go away will end in disaster.
It's about time we grew a pair and stopped the issue across the Channel. It's no good relying on the French. They do not have a good record at preventing anything.
We're apparently talking about sending troops to "help", what the hell they will do is beyond me. They won't be allowed to use force, display weapons or anything useful. They'll probably be given bags of crisps to hand out.

 

You would think that the refugees after enduring all that they have would be glad to settle anywhere, but no they want the best the world can offer.

It's like going into a food bank and being given a tin of sardines than shoving it back saying "that's no fecking good I want caviar".

 

The definition of swarm does include large groups of people on the move. However the way it is used in common language is often to imply a large group which is beyond control or is overwhelming - as in your example of "swarming the quarterback." Add in the fact that it is more commonly used to refer to insects and vermin than people and you can understand why some might consider it to be a poor choice of word in this context.