Reply
Sun 14 Aug, 2016 12:00 pm
Somebody oughta compile a dictionary
dabster
PRONUNCIATION:
(DAB-stuhr)
MEANING:
noun:
1. An expert.
2. A bungler.
@dalehileman,
Yea, both at the same time.
It's in lots of dictionaries, some with apparently contradictory alternative meanings:
Merriam-Webster:
Quote:chiefly dialectal : one that is especially skilled : expert. 2 [probably influenced in meaning by dabble] : a dabbler at anything : an unskilled hand.
Dictionary.com:
Quote: 1.
Slang. an expert.
2.
Informal. a person who works in a superficial or clumsy manner; dabbler.
YourDictionary.com:
Quote: An expert; one who is master of their profession.
A handy person.
A dabbler or bungler.
Collins Dictionary:
Quote:US informal an incompetent or amateurish worker; bungler
@contrex,
Thanks Con but I meant one devoted exclusively to them having two opposite meanings
Yes I do guess there must be; and yes too lazy for Google
No excuse Con
Okay, now I know about dabsters. What is an RU?
@dalehileman,
RU a dabster?
Quote:Thanks Con but I meant one devoted exclusively to them having two opposite meanings
I'm too busy grailing for more than two opposite meanings to be a dabbling, dvandva, dabster doyen.
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/75-contronyms-words-with-contradictory-meanings/
@nacredambition,
Their list left out 'moot'.
@roger,
Your point?
Finally, a third opposite, thank you roger.
@nacredambition,
Just helping fill out what I thought was an interest of yours.
@roger,
Your points were excellently moot because: