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4 hours ago, Mjx said:

Has anyone mentioned 'bonbon' as a word that needs to go? Apart from being twee, it's applied to so many different things that it means nothing in particular.

I have no objection to it. It's been around since the 18th century and developed its figurative meaning in the 19th. If we were to ban all words which have changed meaning or have taken on figurative meanings there would be very little language left. Its meaning is nearly always clear from the context.

The origin of 'twee' is also the same. It is a childlike corruption of 'sweet'.

I would also bring back the now rare 'bonbonnière', a small fancy box to hold sweets.

4 hours ago, Mjx said:

Has anyone mentioned 'bonbon' as a word that needs to go? Apart from being twee, it's applied to so many different things that it means nothing in particular.

I have no objection to it. It's been around since the 18th century and developed its figurative meaning in the 19th. If we were to ban all words which have changed meaning or have taken on figurative meanings there would be very little language left. Its meaning is nearly always clear from the context.

I would also bring back the now rare 'bonbonnière', a small fancy box to hold sweets.

4 hours ago, Mjx said:

Has anyone mentioned 'bonbon' as a word that needs to go? Apart from being twee, it's applied to so many different things that it means nothing in particular.

I have no objection to it. It's been around since the 18th century and developed its figurative meaning in the 19th. If we were to ban all words which have changed meaning or have taken on figurative meanings there  would be very little language left.

I would also bring back the now rare 'bonbonnière', a small fancy box to hold sweets.