[brindlemom2]

Less anyone wonder why I ask, Although new to this type of writing, I have done others for more years then I care to indicate or remember. So many of the contributers to the different fan fiction sites seem to be quite young and extremely talented. I cannot count the number of their creations that have made me laugh or cry or both. There are a number of authors whose stories I watch faithfully because they are really good and I enjoy them.

Climbing awkwardly on soapbox with difficulty.

Having said that, there have been some things that I have noted which have emerged over a broad number of the stories which seem to indicate changes in language usage I had not been aware of. I wonder if I have missed something now being in my "mature" years and experiencing the occasional memory loss .

The biggest one that comes to mind is the use of the word "smirk". To me this word has always indicated one who is very pleased with himself or his actions ie having bested some one and not always in a nice way (perhaps rather like the slimy way like Grima is when he deals with Eowyn) or, to smile in a self conscious, knowing or simpering way.

Hence my question. Has the use of this word come to be accepted for all kinds of what is usually considered a happy or delighted emotion?

If it hasn't then I wish there was some way to let these otherwise outstanding authors know they are limiting themselves and their characters to a very unsatisfying narrow range of that emotion. I had considered commenting in a review noting this but if I am wrong I did not want to appear that super critical.

Sigh, I will get off my soap box now.

Sorry this was long but this has been building for some time and having just finished reading an otherwise fine story and running across this at least seven times when it was clear via the story line that neither the hero or his side kick really were being so self pleased with themselves or the action in a "smirky" way, I just couldn't stop shuddering.

[NancyBrooke]

If you are concerned with appearing critical, but having something to tell an author you think it would benefit them to know, I suggest sending a 'pm'.

I often use this tool when I want to let an author know I've spotted a few typos, or a misused word, but don't want that trifling criticism to linger in my review of an otherwise meritorious story.

And, btw, I completely agree with your definition of 'smirk'.

[NeumeIndil]

For the actual definition of "smirk" I went to dictionary.com and checked the Merriam-Webster's I have at the computer. All of those agree that it's a self-satisfied or smug expression. However, acording to urbandictionary.com (which keeps track of slang patterns in the English language) it's also a nickname for Smirnoff alcohol and the current president of the U.S. (who often seems to wear one of said unpleasant smiles during public appearances).

Steering away from politics, I know in conversation among people under 25 or so, it's sometimes used when talking about a small smile which isn't necessarily bratty in nature. It may well be the case that the word is being misused on a wide scale and people just don't realize its implicit meaning. Take, for example, how "shut up" can mean the usual less-than-polite way of asking someone to stop talking or a synonym for something like "no way" or "you're kidding", as illustrated in the movie The Princess Diaries w/ Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway. The definition of "smirk" might be changing thanks to the computer age, but in any case, if someone's using the word, he or she should know what it means, and if you think the author may not, a PM or email probably isn't a bad idea. If the author can't handle critical feedback, they probably shouldn't be posting their writing for public view.

[Ningloreth]

I agree with NeumeIndil. (I personally think it's exciting to watch how the meaning of a word can change -- sometimes over a period as short as a few months).

The meaning of 'smirk' may be changing so that it can now be used to describe -- for example -- the shape of the mouth during the smile rather than the intention behind the smile. If this is the case, then the usage -- at the moment -- is probably 'informal', and you might question whether it should be used in a story at all outside speech or thought, and even then whether it's appropriate in an LOTR context...

It just goes on and on!

As far as contacting any individual author is concerned, though, I would advise caution, especially if you suspect that the author is young and/or inexperienced. That sort of writer generally corrects herself as she gains experience (and this often happens very quickly, over the course of a few chapters). Someone who is just starting out may not be as resilient as a writer who has completed a few stories, had some positive feedback, built up some self confidence, and who can, therefore, see a minor criticism in context.

[Pechethu]

[Dragontamer77]

smirk? Kind of a self assured,arrogant, quirk of the lips that indicates someone is happy in a sort of vindictive way? am i right?

[Rhapsody]