[SamBam]

Sure, but I guess my point was the use of the term the "intellectual crowd" (used, as above, unironically, without scare quotes, etc).

"Intellectual" is a fine word for an intelligent person who does the kind of thinking college professors do. Indeed, Wikipedia defines one as "a person who engages in critical thinking, research, and reflection."

We similarly use the term "anti-intellectual" to refer to those in our society who choose not to engage in this kind of critical thinking.

I dislike turning it into an insult, so think we should use a different word to refer to such people.

[rgbgraph]

Ironically, you’re doing exactly what the parent is describing: being pedantic to prove a point/win an argument because the OP was too hasty and forgot to append “pseudo” to his “intellectual.”

I’m certain most of us know what the parent is talking about on an intuitive, vs verbal level (i.e. the idea was communicated, even if the words used to communicate it were not 100% on point)

Did the joke go over my head?

[chrisweekly]

Ironically(?), many in the "anti-intellectual" crowd don't really have a choice about tbeir membership.