[cryptnoob]

You probably are not aware of this, but when used in this context, "progressive tax", you are referring to a tax system advocated by the progressive movement from the late 19th and very early 20th century. The progressive movement is the father of modern day liberalism, and actually was a tarnished word for awhile, resulting in it's adherents beginning to call themselves liberals. It's interesting the pendulum has swung back, to where "liberal" is considered tarnished, and "progressive" is the preferred term.

My point is that, the opposite of "progressive", in this context is not regressive, it's conservative. Calling it "regressive", obviously sends very clear signals as to which one is "good" and which is "bad", by those who wish to send such signals, which is how this all got started. However, it has now come into use by those who may not mean to imply those values, which may, indeed, be the case with you.

[mainland]

Actually, a tax is termed "progressive" when the tax rate increases as the taxable amount increases. A "regressive" tax is a tax where the tax rate decreases as the taxable amount increases.

It's true that "progressives" often advocate "progressive" taxes, but the term has a technical meaning when applied to taxes. Feel free to look it up yourself.

[cryptnoob]

My contention still stands as to roots and derivations of both terms.

However, I see too many, non-biased sites defining "regressive tax" as you do, to see the point in arguing. This battle was lost 50 years ago. The definition has apparently become an accepted one. I find that very disturbing.

For the record, I personally find the term to be a loaded one, and I disagree with it.

[tptacek]

"Conservatives" don't necessarily believe that's a good idea to tax people with lower incomes more aggressively than those with higher incomes. So, whatever the point you're trying to make here is, it's orthogonal to my comment.