[Ads-l] retcon

[dave@wilton.net]

In its denotation, this is just ordinary history. History is nothing more than a narrative that attempts to explain past events. A synonym for "retconned history" would be "revisionist history." And all history is revisionist; that's what historians do.
 
Of course, the connotation of "retconned" or "revisionist" history is negative. Even when applied to fiction, "retconning" carries a negative connotation
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: "Jonathan Lighter" <wuxxmupp2000 at GMAIL.COM>
Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2021 6:46am
To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject: [ADS-L] retcon



Charlie Sykes, MSNBC:

"They're trying to find a way to rationalize [Jan. 6]: 'Well, it wasn't so
bad.' This is called 'retconning' - you simply rewrite the history. You
pretend that what happened didn't happen, and you put your own spin on it."

OED: (1989):

"To revise retrospectively (an aspect of a fictional work or series),
typically by means of a revelation which imposes a different interpretation
on previously described events."

It ain't just for fiction any more. And you don't need a "revelation."

Just lie.

JL

-- 
"If the truth is half as bad as I think it is, you can't handle the truth."

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The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org