People say that such-and-such is 'unthinkable.' An electromagnetic pulse, for example, one that destroys the power distribution grid, would be a calamity in comparison to which the current pandemic would pale into insignificance. This is said to be 'unthinkable.' And yet we are now thinking about it. What one thinks about can be thought about, and is therefore thinkable. So the calamity in question is precisely not 'unthinkable.' Nor is it 'unimaginable.' I can imagine it and so can you.
People use these expressions because they thoughtlessly repeat what they hear other people say. That's my explanation. Do you have a better one?
Not every test is a litmus test. So why do people refer to any old test as a litmus test? Same explanation.
I could continue with the examples. And you hope I won't. Don't be a linguistic lemming. Think. The mind you save may be your own.
Language matters. Walter approves of this message.
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