Why do so many people misuse the prefix "pre"?

B

Bryan

New member
There are several cases where people use an unnecessary use of the prefix pre, such as "preheated," which is stupid considering that an oven can only be heated or unheated. Same thing goes for "preexisting." It either exists or it doesn't. Also, when you go to an airport, you hear the term "preboard," which basically means "to get on before you get on." Doesn't exactly make a lot of sense, does it.

Thank you, George Carlin, for bringing this stupidity and misuse of the English language to my attention.
 
Usually I agree with George Carlin (great man, sharp mind, and man could he go once he started talking!), but not in this case.

In each of the examples you give, I believe "pre" is used properly. "Pre", of course, means "before", but the key to deciding if "pre" words are legitimate is understanding exactly what is done before what.

Preheated does not mean that something is heated before it is heated. It means that something (oven, bbq, etc) is heated before the food is put in.

Preexisting does not mean something exists before it exists. It means that something existed before, for example, an insurance policy is written.

And preboard does not mean boarding before boarding. It means boarding before everyone else boards.

Of course I'll never disagree with Carlin's football vs. baseball routine, or of course those 7 words!
 
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