Apr 30, 2003 15:30
21 yrs ago
6 viewers *
English term
IanW (X)
lightweight
English
Art/Literary
Art, Arts & Crafts, Painting
A question for my fellow English native speakers. I've always avoided the word "lightweight", as to me it is always negative, meaning "inconsequential" - a "lightweight author" etc. However, is it OK to use the word as a positive adjective in a more practical context, such as "lightweight design", or would there be negative connotations? Or is it just me? I'd be interested in any opinions.
Responses
Change log
Jan 23, 2006 21:07: Fuad Yahya changed "Field" from "Other" to "Art/Literary" , "Field (specific)" from "General / Conversation / Greetings / Letters" to "Art, Arts & Crafts, Painting" , "Field (write-in)" from "General" to "(none)"
Jan 23, 2006 21:07: Fuad Yahya changed "Level" from "Non-PRO" to "PRO"
Responses
+3
10 mins
Christopher Crockett
Native in English
&
English
Specializes in field
M.A., Ph.D. Historian/Art Historian
Native in: English 
Works in: French to English, English
Related KudoZ points
:
11
Selected
No downside to a literal usage, as best I can see.
The negative implications of the term comes from it's use in a metaphorical sense : the author is not, literally, "lightweight", obviously.
But if you use "light" in its literal sense of "Of little weight, not ponderous. The opposite of heavy", there is no *necessarily* negative connotation --unless being (literally) "light" is, in and of itself, a disadvantage in the specific context.
As in : "Lightly armed troops were simply not sufficient to overcome the enemy's armor", for example.
In such a case the negative connotation arises from the inherent condition of things themselves, not from the term used, which is simply an accurate description of reality.
Then there's "light in the loafers", which is an whole nother Ball of Wax.
But if you use "light" in its literal sense of "Of little weight, not ponderous. The opposite of heavy", there is no *necessarily* negative connotation --unless being (literally) "light" is, in and of itself, a disadvantage in the specific context.
As in : "Lightly armed troops were simply not sufficient to overcome the enemy's armor", for example.
In such a case the negative connotation arises from the inherent condition of things themselves, not from the term used, which is simply an accurate description of reality.
Then there's "light in the loafers", which is an whole nother Ball of Wax.
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thanks to all for your input on this. I think that it is safe to say that there is no cut-and-dried answer, as opinions vary widely across the board, and that it is advisable to be careful when using it. It was very difficult to decide who to award the points to (bad puns were marked down!), but I liked Christopher's take: "In such a case the negative connotation arises from the inherent condition of things themselves, not from the term used, which is simply an accurate description of reality."
Thanks! Ian"
3 mins
Marian Greenfield
Native in English
&
English
Over 30 years in financial translation
Native in: English 
Works in: Spanish to English, Portuguese to English, English
lightweight
is definitely positive for laptop computers, cameras etc.
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hardware.earthweb.com/chips/ article.php/11055_2108711_3 - 34k - Apr 29, 2003 - Cached - Similar pages
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Gateway heats up lightweight laptop competition | The PC maker unveils its ultra-portable
notebook, achieving parity with Compaq Computer, Dell Computer, IBM ...
news.com.com/2100-1040-240565.html - 27k - Cached - Similar pages
Product info for Apple Lightweight Laptop
Apple Lightweight Laptop. Price: $1,764.00. Product #: QAPPLELIGHTLAP. ...
www.computer-store.rutgers.edu/product.asp?pid=596 - 11k - Apr 28, 2003 - Cached - Similar pages
Product info for Dell Lightweight Laptop
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www.computer-store.rutgers.edu/product.asp?pid=22 - 11k - Apr 28, 2003 - Cached - Similar pages
[ More results from www.computer-store.rutgers.edu ]
Great Lightweight Laptop with DVD/CDRW & Wi-Fi
... 11 Mar 04:08 email this posting to a friend. Great Lightweight Laptop
with DVD/CDRW & Wi-Fi - $995. Reply to: anon-9033682@craigslist ...
+3
4 mins
lightweight
I think it sounds the most negative when referring to a person (amateur etc).
When referring to an object it seems to take on more of its literal meaning...airy, refreshing, not too complicated etc
In the case of a design it summons up (to me anyway), something quite simple, clean-cut....
Probably not much help!
;-)
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-04-30 16:14:56 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
on the downside... the word \'flimsy\' just sprang to mind :- (
Could you not use the word simple instead?!
When referring to an object it seems to take on more of its literal meaning...airy, refreshing, not too complicated etc
In the case of a design it summons up (to me anyway), something quite simple, clean-cut....
Probably not much help!
;-)
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-04-30 16:14:56 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
on the downside... the word \'flimsy\' just sprang to mind :- (
Could you not use the word simple instead?!
+2
4 mins
Libero_Lang_Lab
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Native in English
&
English
United Kingdom
The sports specialists
Native in: English
Works in: Russian to English, English, French to English
most definitely a negative connotation
the only time when such a connotation can be avoided these day, is when lightweight applies very obviously to the weight and where being light is an obvious advantage -
eg. a lightweight briefcase, laptop...
eg. a lightweight briefcase, laptop...
6 mins
lightweight design has still a negative connotation IMO
and to turn the example in a positive way, one would have to go with "an airy design" or some such thing. I would use lightweight only in connection with depicting the weight of a material such as alu and work my way around anything else, or of course when I mean to be derogative.
You asked for opinions. Here you have one - although merely from a "lightweight native"
You asked for opinions. Here you have one - although merely from a "lightweight native"
7 mins
jccantrell
United States
United States
Native in English
&
English
United States
Was nicht ist, kann noch werden.
Native in: English (Variant: US)
Works in: German to English
Merriam-Webster says....
Lightweight:
1 : one of less than average weight; specifically : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 135 pounds for professionals and 132 pounds for amateurs -- compare FEATHERWEIGHT, WELTERWEIGHT
2 : one of little consequence or ability <shows up its author as a lightweight -- C. J. Rolo>
As the FIRST definition has to do with the technical definition, I see nothing wrong with it in the technical sense you mention. However, it IS open to interpretation that will still have the negative overtones.
The new Mercedes, at 2700 pounds, is the lightweight of the group.
Then, depending on the rest of the review, it could prove to be a double meaning, say, if its powerplant were the smallest and it was the slowest ....
1 : one of less than average weight; specifically : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 135 pounds for professionals and 132 pounds for amateurs -- compare FEATHERWEIGHT, WELTERWEIGHT
2 : one of little consequence or ability <shows up its author as a lightweight -- C. J. Rolo>
As the FIRST definition has to do with the technical definition, I see nothing wrong with it in the technical sense you mention. However, it IS open to interpretation that will still have the negative overtones.
The new Mercedes, at 2700 pounds, is the lightweight of the group.
Then, depending on the rest of the review, it could prove to be a double meaning, say, if its powerplant were the smallest and it was the slowest ....
+3
36 mins
can be positive
It's perfectly possible for the word to have positive implications - particularly if you're talking about travelling, camping and that sort of thing - a lightweight tent, a lightweight jacket.
I do ask myself when one would use "lightweight" rather than just "light", because one would probably refer to a light jacket,, a light suitcase rather than a lightweight one. But I think you'll find that catalogues and manufactures would use lightweight to describe something like a tent or a sleeping bag, and there are other circumstances when one might need to emphasise that it is the weight of the article (rather than, for example, its colour) that is light.
I do ask myself when one would use "lightweight" rather than just "light", because one would probably refer to a light jacket,, a light suitcase rather than a lightweight one. But I think you'll find that catalogues and manufactures would use lightweight to describe something like a tent or a sleeping bag, and there are other circumstances when one might need to emphasise that it is the weight of the article (rather than, for example, its colour) that is light.
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Kim Metzger
: So a lightweight design could be seen in a positive light?
6 mins
|
| agree |
Christopher Crockett
: Absolutely, Kim. Enlightening as well.
26 mins
|
| agree |
DGK T-I
1 hr
|
+3
1 hr
Connotations ( negative, positive, or neutral) are context-dependent.
A lightweight author is one of little consequence, but a lightweight shirt is one that is positively suitable for warm days.
You did not explain what you meant by "lightweight design." If you are referring to a design that would result in making the object lighter to carry, then the expression is perfect, and quite positive. If you meant something else, then perhaps you can add some explanation.
The American Heritage Dictionary gives three meanings for the adjective "lightweight":
1. Weighing relatively little; not heavy. Examples: lightweight clothing; a lightweight wood.
2. (In sports) Of, relating to, or characteristic of a lightweight. Example: the lightweight title.
3. Having no significance or influence. Example: a lightweight intellect.
You did not explain what you meant by "lightweight design." If you are referring to a design that would result in making the object lighter to carry, then the expression is perfect, and quite positive. If you meant something else, then perhaps you can add some explanation.
The American Heritage Dictionary gives three meanings for the adjective "lightweight":
1. Weighing relatively little; not heavy. Examples: lightweight clothing; a lightweight wood.
2. (In sports) Of, relating to, or characteristic of a lightweight. Example: the lightweight title.
3. Having no significance or influence. Example: a lightweight intellect.
1 hr
simple
I had to WEIGH IN on the lightweight controversy. Here's my (hopefully) mre than lightweight opinion.
For me lightweight generally has negative connocations, except, as noted by others, when referring to weight.
For a design, lightweight WOULD sound negative. How about: simple, uncomplicated, lighthearted, cheerful (depending on the context).
For me lightweight generally has negative connocations, except, as noted by others, when referring to weight.
For a design, lightweight WOULD sound negative. How about: simple, uncomplicated, lighthearted, cheerful (depending on the context).
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