@Rogers True using it as an insult is not helping anyone but in the USA "liberal" has completely changed meanings in conversation. The word is often used to describe socialism, leftism (which itself is another kettle of fish), democracy, or Democratic Party. Because of the word's fractured use, it has come to mean "extreme left wing" to some people. They are not correct by definition but they are often correct by use. Really which meaning is more important? The one you meant and others understood, or the intellectual definition that is often far from anyone's true thought?
28
@Rogers True using it as an insult is not helping anyone but in the USA "liberal" has completely changed meanings in conversation. The word is often used to describe socialism, leftism (which itself is another kettle of fish), democracy, or Democratic Party. Because of the word's fractured use, it has come to mean "extreme left wing" to some people. They are not correct by definition but they are often correct by use. Really which meaning is more important? The one you meant and others understood, or the intellectual definition that is often far from anyone's true thought?