Semantics means study of meaning (of a word). This can be subdivided into
- Logical Semantics dealing with sense & reference.
- Linguistic Semantics dealing with exact meaning of words.
Though disregard of this may cause immense harm, it is almost universal in its misuse even amongst people who are supposed to know better.
To take a common example, when we cause or narrowly avoid an accident on the road, the first word likely to be used is "idiot." Actually both may even be above average in IQ, & the (utmost) correct word to be used is "careless." Because this is not kept in mind or forgotten in the first fit of anger, the incorrect first word may be used leading to a crescendo of further insults.
Similarly while reprimanding a junior in a perceived lack of application, instead of pointing out the shortcoming, it is quite common to hurl personal insults at the unfortunate person. So usage of language without respect to semantics may lead to quite avoidable friction in the workplace. To put it simply, one should know how to disagree without being disagreeable. This is only done when we take care to choose the semantically correct word for the occasion.
Another aspect of this is the fact that no elderly person likes to be reminded of his (or her) age. Especially in our country, it has become popularly accepted to refer to any person somewhat older in the (local language) equivalent of grandpa or grandma. Any dictionary says that only the parents of one's parent are defined as grandparents, but even so called highly educated people, who are supposed to know how to use a dictionary, go on merrily referring to even unrelated people, who they think are old, as grandpa & grandma. This is extremely bad etiquette as well as semantically wrong.
Probably this is the necessary consequence when people get educated, not to get knowledge or culture, but only to get money & position.
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