[logfromblammo]

Correctness includes accuracy and precision.

Improper or nonstandard use of a word may reduce the precision in an alternative phrasing of equal conciseness.

This is the same reason why I carry on an utterly futile crusade against the use of the word "amazing" as a popular synonym for "doubleplusgood". We have synonyms to color the context and add subtle shades of meaning to our sentences. When they are employed inappropriately for an excessive duration, some opportunities for subtlety and artistry in language may be lost forever.

There was a time when "fine" was better than "good". But now one of the meanings is a level of quality that is merely passable or acceptable. Having ground "fine" as a descriptor of quality down to a dust of exceedingly small particle size, shall we also do the same to "amazing"?

"Mom, this pot roast is amazing--not as good as last night's tacos, but definitely amazing."

"You ungrateful brat! Leave this table and study, so that you might improve your pitiable grades from 'amazing' to passing."

[ScottBurson]

Don't forget "fantastic", "stupendous", and "awesome"!

[logfromblammo]

I remember them every Memorial Day, and shed a single tear for them.

That's one tear for all of them, not one for each. And it's a metaphorical tear, not an actual tear. If you really want to be accurate, it's more like a metaphorical grim and wistful expression, with a tantalizing moistening of the eyes, followed by uncharacteristically rapid blinking. It's very sad, yes, but it's not like those words are dead--they just have severe brain damage and will need arduous custodial care for a few more decades, until they can safely be allowed out on their own again.

Truth be told, I was actually thinking about my dear old deceased dog in that metaphor, because my eyes are actually rather dry otherwise. I use the same trick when I wear contacts. And I always get Memorial Day and Labor Day confused. One is at the start of summer, and the other is at the end. So I might have accidentally metaphorically shed an almost-tear for all of them on Labor Day. They will be missed. Because, by choice, I don't ever visit them at their assisted living facility. Or write them. Or write to them.

[ScottBurson]

I haven't said "ROFL" in a long time, but this deserves it!