Maybe so Trueman, but the way I look at it using a word in other than its definned meaning, then make that to be informal usage, or slang if you like.
Maybe a collacialism even, as in the case of squirrel.
Fine if it is widely used in conversation, and not as a bent definition of the word's meaning.
Like gay, sharp, cool, etc, is used.
I would think writers would subscribe to the practice of using the word for what it was meant for in serious dicussion.
After all. What the heck is the use of making a point if only a select few have any idea of what you are talking about.
And the rest, either think you don't know your english, or nod wisely, and remind themselves to look up the word in the dictionary when they get home.
Then, on doing so decide you don't knoeww your english.
Graham



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