Talk:Punk

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[edit] Punk Usage and language shifts

There is probably a Latin or Greek word for it, but what wiktionary and wikipedia have both failed to capture is the use by the punk movement of a formerly derogatory, derisive minor insult as a term of respect and self-esteem. I am sure there are better examples of this linguistic shift, but the first that I can think of and this is not a good parallel is the use of the word nigger, by black people as a term of respect or approval. It draws its power from its previous use as a term of contempt.--Steve H 17:16, 6 February 2007 (UTC)