Semantic Diffusion (2006)
10 days ago
- #terminology
- #software-development
- #semantic-diffusion
- Semantic diffusion describes the weakening of a term's original definition as it spreads through a community.
- Popular terms like 'agile' and 'Web 2.0' are prone to semantic diffusion due to widespread use and misunderstanding.
- Semantic diffusion often occurs during the hype phase of an idea, where rapid adoption leads to diluted meanings.
- Broad concepts are more susceptible to semantic diffusion than concrete technologies (e.g., Ruby on Rails vs. agile principles).
- Desirable-sounding terms (e.g., 'agile') are more likely to suffer semantic diffusion than neutral or undesirable ones.
- Semantic inversion is a variant where a term comes to mean the opposite of its original intent (e.g., 'DevOps' used for siloed teams).
- Despite semantic diffusion, terms can regain integrity over time (e.g., 'object-oriented' and 'patterns').
- Strategies to combat semantic diffusion include re-articulating definitions and avoiding abandonment of the term.
- Originators of terms must balance clarity with evolution to prevent dogmatism while maintaining meaning.