Can we stop using the word "meddling" please?

[garybeck]

From Webster's:

"Meddle:" to interest oneself in what is not one's concern

"Interfere:" to interpose in a way that hinders or impedes :come into collision or be in opposition

"Influence:" the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways


I believe that using the word "meddle" when describing Russian involvement in the election is an improper use of the term and it diminishes the truth.

We now know that at least $100,000 was spent on just Facebook for ads that were seen by 125,000,000 people. that is
over half of the number of registered voters in our country.

That is not "meddling."

I like "influence" because it means their efforts actually had an affect.

I know people here at DU don't use "meddle" that much but I still see it used a lot elsewhere.

[elleng]

1. I don't disagree.

Synonyms of meddling

busy, interfering, intruding, meddlesome, intrusive, nosy (or nosey), obtrusive, officious, presuming, presumptuous, protrusive, prying, pushing, pushy, snoopy

Words Related to meddling

bold, brazen, bumptious, impertinent, impudent, insolent, rude
invading, trespassing
curious, inquisitive
annoying, harassing, pestiferous
overbearing, superserviceable


Intruding, Invading more appropriate.

[Chemisse]

4. Agree. Intrude or invade would be more apt.

It was a hostile act, and meddle makes it sound benign.

[elleng]

5. Definitely a hostile act.

I'd say 'off with their heads,' but that might suggest I'm promoting war.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. I heard Ali Velshi on MSNBC use it while I was reading this

That's where we hear it, on the news, it's a very familiar phrase there, they all use it. And I agree with you, too. That word makes it sound a lot less serious than it is...

[garybeck]

7. Disappointing MSNBC nt

[Rhiannon12866]

8. It seems to be universal across the board

This isn't the first time I've heard this on MSNBC, I rarely tune in elsewhere. Another interesting fact? Out of curiosity, I looked up Ali Velshi the other day - and he was born in Kenya! (though he's Canadian)

[Cosmocat]

3. Typical R v D media framing

Media has its head so far up its ass it does not even know how it much it soft sells R fuck wittery.

[sweetroxie]

6. The word "meddling" really trivializes the action and intent.

eom