The spelling of "picked argument" may seem straightforward, but there are some phonetic nuances to consider. "Picked" is pronounced /pɪkt/ (pikt), not /pɪkɪd/ (pick-id), as some might assume. Meanwhile, "argument" is pronounced /ˈɑːɡjʊmənt/ (ahr-gyoo-muhnt) with a hard "g" sound, not /ˈɑːkjuːmənt/ (ar-kyoo-muhnt) as some may mistakenly say. Together, these words form the phrase "picked argument" /pɪkt ˈɑːɡjʊmənt/ (pikt ahr-gyoo-muhnt), which means a deliberate or carefully chosen argument in a discussion or debate.
"Picked argument" refers to a specific type of disagreement or debate characterized by a deliberate and selective choice of opposing viewpoints or topics for discussion. It is often used to describe an argumentative situation in which individuals intentionally select contentious or controversial issues to argue about with the objective of provoking or challenging the other party involved.
In a picked argument, the choice of topic or viewpoint is typically not accidental or random. Instead, it is purposefully targeted or cherry-picked to engage in a heated debate or to demonstrate or highlight a differing perspective. The goal is often to expose the flaws in the opposing point of view or to challenge the person's beliefs or opinions on a particular matter.
Picked arguments are often employed to test or challenge the critical thinking abilities of individuals, to foster intellectual discourse, or to simply engage in a healthy exchange of ideas. However, they can also be used as tactics to manipulate or dominate a conversation, incite conflict, or undermine a person's credibility.
It is important to note that engaging in picked arguments requires careful consideration and respect for the other person's opinions and feelings. Ensuring that the exchange remains constructive rather than confrontational is essential.
The phrase "picked argument" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two separate words.
The word "picked" typically means selected or chosen, indicating that the argument being referred to is carefully selected or deliberately chosen for a particular purpose or outcome. Its etymology comes from the Middle English word "piken", which means to pick or choose.
The word "argument" comes from the Latin word "argumentum", which means evidence, proof, or reasoning. It has been used in English since the late 14th century and refers to a logical or persuasive statement or discussion used to convince or persuade someone.
When these two words are combined, "picked argument" refers to an argument that has been deliberately chosen or carefully selected to make a specific point or support a particular position.