Sze is one of at least 12 players to use or write 'retiring' or 'retired' as their name.

Nike, in a few years after you have learned a little English grammar, you should revisit your above arguments (example sentence and reasons). I think you'll find there are a number of problems.

English speakers do not use the word retire in this context.

This is a bizarre argument - unless a word is commonly used, it cannot be?

[quoute]Even the example given by the dictionary comes off as someone using the word retire sarcastically[/quote]

The idea that the composers of dictionaries use ironic examples is beyond rational.

With regards to both these quotes, I am fully aware of the word 'retire' in that context, and 'retiring' is an adjective which is directly related to that sense of the verb.

Just because you have a limited vocabulary, doesn't mean everyone - including the writers of dictionaries - should. And if Gui criticises Nike's grammar, I wonder what he must think of you, when you are significantly older and a native speaker, yet seem to have a narrower grasp of the language.

I think we all know this is less about you though Nike and more about Gui and Swenny's on going pissing contest. Long may it continue. =D

He dedicated an entire post to defaming Nike in a highly personal way. Stop sucking Gui's dick, piggy, your knees will start to ache soon.

Sze is one of at least 12 players to use or write 'retiring' or 'retired' as their name.

I vaguely remember your own, to steal wordsworth's phrase, otiose and melodramatic words of parting. "Gui is dead, boot me, kick my carcass"? Next to that, "Gui - retiring" is positively understated. But then, your motive to make this thread makes hypocrisy necessarily endemic.

Wordsworth - one reason to announce your retirement is to let people you regularly play with that you do not want to be invited to tournaments or games, and you are likely to decline if you are. Then, people will know your reason for declining isn't particular to the game or the other players.

X, how's it going? I'd like to respond to each of the things you said individually, but I don't want to tease off each line and put it in quote marks with my response underneath, because thats ugly, so I have this instead:

Retired in the sense of leave isn't used uncommonly, it is not used. Reading the dictionary doesn't give you the whole picture. Quoting the dictionary isn't enough to convince me that you picked the right word.

Dictionary composers using sarcastic (not ironic) examples is funny. So is someone saying "I am retiring to the bathroom". Imagine your SO saying that in a posh English accent and bowing out of the room, wouldn't it make you smile? This was the point of my post.

you have a limited vocabulary

This is a bad sentence, every vocabulary is limited. Why don't you worry less about how many sophisticated words you can use and more about trying to communicate? Noone will think you "have a narrower grasp on the language" because you use a short word instead of a long one.

Gui dedicated a whole thread to criticising people using (retiring) next to their name. There is one person who comes to mind as using (retiring) next to their name and it isnt Nike. I pointed out the subtext because I thought it would make Nike feel less got at, I was being nice.

Are you posting because you feel like I'm picking on Nike? I pointed out that something he said sounded funny, because English isn't his first language. I wasn't rude or mean. I said something because the dictionary was entertainingly misleading.

misleading or not, sarcastic or not, the dictionary did say that retiring does not only refer to a career. Seems folly to argue against a dictionary, no?

And shouldn't mighty Gui, as an editor and translator, be aware of such a definition when he was acting like a smartass and going on his original rant? You are quite bad at your job, Gui. And I'm so sorry that you think my grammer isn't as great as yours, As X pointed out, not only are you older than me, english is your native language, so my grammer naturally should be inferior, right? Still, thats your opinion.

And seriously, stop evading the question, Gui. Are you just pissed off/jealous that some of us can actually leave the game. but you[b/] just cant break the addiction? You even announced your departure from Warlight very loudly on the forum a while ago.

Yeah, I am disagreeing with the dictionary. People who write dictionaries aren't infallible. If people didn't ever disagree with the dictionary definition they would never be updated and there wouldnt be more than 1 company making writing them. The entry was pretty bad, I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that.

hey guys, cya around, i'm retiring



















for the night

Retired in the sense of leave isn't used uncommonly, it is not used.

Then it would be designated in the dictionary as 'archaic', or it wouldn't appear at all, depending on the dictionary and the edition.

I suppose it is possible for the word to be incongruously high-flown, but if somebody, at a party of some kind, announced that they were going to retire for the evening, I assure you that my monocle would not shatter. It's not the best example, but from whence she is retiring may justify the use of the word.

sarcastic (not ironic)

Sarcasm is a form of irony. You cannot have unironic sarcasm.

This is a bad sentence, every vocabulary is limited. Why don't you worry less about how many sophisticated words you can use and more about trying to communicate? Noone will think you "have a narrower grasp on the language" because you use a short word instead of a long one.

3.
characterized by an inability to think imaginatively or independently; lacking originality or scope; narrow: a rather limited intelligence.

- dictionary.com

There are many reasons why a large vocabulary is beneficial. Firstly, if you can vary your language, it makes your writing more interesting. I cannot fathom why the sort of hideous Newspeak you dream of would be remotely desirable. Secondly, more difficult works are accessible to you. Thirdly, synonyms are of great assistance in language that is not so prosaic. Please note that none of these reasons involve making yourself appear more intelligent.

I said something because the dictionary was entertainingly misleading.

When your English is inferior to that of a 15-year-old Chinese kid, I suggest you refrain from criticising the dictionary.

I posted because of (a) your insouciance towards the dictionary, which in my opinion is a better standard-bearer for the English language than the opinions of some australian guy, (b) your blind defense of Gui, which was blatantly wrong. Gui lambasted Nike (who is half his age), in a highly personal, and presumptuous, way.

Since you raise the case yourself, I will also add that your heroic defense of Nike is based on the notion that he is so unimportant, that even when Gui makes an entire post about him, it's actually about szeweningen.

tl;dr: THE DICTIONARY KNOWS MORE ABOUT DEFINITIONS OF WORDS THAN YOU DO

Yeah, I am disagreeing with the dictionary. People who write dictionaries aren't infallible. If people didn't ever disagree with the dictionary definition they would never be updated and there wouldnt be more than 1 company making writing them. The entry was pretty bad, I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that.

I agree! Definitions are meaningless! argle bargle ugg ugg ugg ugg egestion prolapse frankincense irritant, spanglish wherefore. If you don't think that made sense, please consult my own self-published dictionary.

Nike, retiring in the bathroom context is a temporary withdrawal, and it is fully understood as such. Retiring in your context is a permanent state of quitting (you do not intend to return) and is also fully understood as such. To conflate temporary and permanent as well as withdrawal and quitting as if they are the same shows the poor word choice. To go a bit further, retire in the bathroom case is literary; in the gaming context it is intended to have a practical use. Putting your flimsy rationale aside, the big picture is that gamers (who think they can be professionals) misuse a word meant for actual professionals. Retire comes from French in the modern age, so its French meaning is still at the essence of its English meaning. Before retirer became English there were other common ways to express your meaning: quitting, stopping.

To say Gui is dead was meant to be "Lion humor." If the anti-Gui monkey chooses to take stupid words at face value, that is fine.

But the truth is I don't want to be known and would rather just play games. So I wanted (and still want) to stop using this account (let it die) and use a quiet and unknown account.

Unfortunately, two things happened: Fizzer didn't want me to use other accounts on the forum and my new main account wasn't a member and I didn't enjoy not being able to play the games I was accustomed to making. So here I am still. I want to transfer this membership, but I don't know if it is possible.

Break the addiction? I can quit any time I want. But my life is still a bit dull and I enjoy playing games. After teaching and reading all day, or between classes, it is fun to play a quick game to relax. I enjoy making maps and tournaments too, to give something I think others would enjoy. It is just a good bad habit for me. Once I'm back in Paris I won't have time to play. Right now I play and listen to French radio.

X, my original post was in reference to gamers using the word retire. Nike joined the conversation on his own. Once he joined and called me a smart ass, it's open season. He assumed I was targeting him; I wasn't. He or piggy assumed it had to do with sze; it doesn't. From the first time I saw a gamer change his name to XXX Retiring I thought it was ugly and awkward. I still have the same reaction. When I bring it up doesn't really matter. How gaming jargon has evolved to where we are today is my focus: people use words out of context (pro), misuse words (retiring), and make up words (noob).

If your nihilism will allow you to drop a meaningless argument about whatever personal dispute you are waging couched in logic and wisdom, mind commenting on my intended focus (bad gaming jargon)?

I just skipped straight to the TL;DR please include one in all of your posts.

Can an object know something X?

One dictionary gave Nike a rubbish definition, I mocked that definition, do you take that personally? How does it make you feel when I challenge the authority of a dictionary writer?

Wait, are you saying I don't get a pension when I retire on here?

How does it make you feel when I challenge the authority of a dictionary writer?

It makes me feel like you're so dumb that you don't even know you're dumb.

tl;dr: ya dumb

Nike joined the conversation on his own. Once he joined and called me a smart ass, it's open season.

It's a reasonable assumption, given the timing, that he catalysed the thread. So, when a 15-year-old calls you a name, you respond with personal insults?

If your nihilism will allow you to drop a meaningless argument about whatever personal dispute you are waging couched in logic and wisdom, mind commenting on my intended focus (bad gaming jargon)?

I don't have a personal dispute, it just seems that Sir Oinksalot (deceased) desperately needs to be reminded that he is far from a lexicographer.

I neglected to opine on the thrust of your thread because I found it to be a tedious non-issue. Here's why I don't care:

• 'retiring' is a somewhat fitting word to employ. (Nike leaves open the possibility of returning when he has the time, so your recent argument isn't germane.) Referring to Nike's pasted dictionary entry, the etymology of 'drawing back' is completely relevant, although language always evolves, so it is moot.
  
  
• it's a roundabout dig at Szew, which I also don't give a billionth of a fuck about.
  
  
• it is an impossibly pedantic subject even for you, so I thought you were trolling or half-trolling.
  
  
• since it has become a part of gaming jargon, it would be odd to put '_____ - quitting', or '_____ - stopping'.
  
  
• railing against linguistic trends is the epitome of quixotry. Your decision to rage over this phrase in particular is arbitrary.

I hereby announce my retirement from this thread.

Well, X has officially ended the discussion, if it can be called that. Thanks for tuning in.

I'm back now, it was just a temporary retirement to brush my teeth.

I think that one thing we can all agree on is that dental hygiene is important.

you took a long time to brush your teeth ;)

PS (the player) talking about the ladder:

"no, i just don't like these settings. i'm gonna retire from the ladder. hope to see better ones pop up using CLOT in a near future."

Here, if he means "withdraw temporarily or for the time being," retire has been used properly.

If one writes Retiring or Retired as part of one's name, we can only assume one is planning on not coming back at all (to shout "I'm taking a short break! Look at my name!" would be too dramatic). This (saying "I am retiring") would be better described as quitting, leaving, no longer planning to play; and a simple note on one's bio or tagline would suffice.

But if one wants to prove one is a true gamer, go ahead and say "I'm retiring." After reading that I'll just assume the person has moved on to a new gaming website. If one writes "I am quitting warlight. Good luck!" in the bio or tagline section, I'll assume there is a good chance the person has stopped playing games altogether and has a busy life.

Using or not using "retire" in the permanent sense separates gamers (who use gaming jargon to the utmost) and non-gamers (who use normal, proper English). Maybe this is the crux of the issue. To officially and publicly RETIRE (it's often written in capital letters in people's names):

(a) shows one's having once belonged to the gaming community with the hope of remaining in the gaming community's collective memory,
(b) evokes the sense that one believes his (ever see a female gamer RETIRE?) time spent playing games could really be considered a gaming "career" (even if he is only planning to quit playing games on one website while continuing this "career" elsewhere),
(c) makes it clear that the RETIRING player considers himself a "pro" (can "non-pros" reach the point in their gaming "career" to announce their "retirement?" don't "noobs" (newbie nobs) simply come and go?),
(d) is an attempt to legitimate time wasted/spent playing a game as if it were a worthwhile pursuit ("one can quit playing a simple game, but I am retiring from a respectable gaming experience").

Thus, a simple demographic breakdown of the RETIRING player: a true gamer, male, cosiders himself a "pro" and his gaming "career" respectable.

**legitimize (tapping autoselect strikes again)