English Language & Usage Asked by magnet_lover_28 on May 2, 2021
A common definition of sticky is
Having the property of adhering or sticking to a surface; adhesive.
Is there any reason its not correct to call magnets sticky, even though they can be described as sticking to things?
The only counter point I can find is sticky is sometimes described as
coated with a adhesive substance
but this definition would also exclude things like sap and glue.
No, as magnets are considered by definition to be "Fructating in nature coincidently to applied force."
granted, not all glues are sticky, but you catch my proverbial drift...
Answered by Patrick Frawley on May 2, 2021
I think magnets can most definitely be considered "sticky". Upon doing some research into the semantics surrounding "stickiness", most definitions do seem to be very loose.
Having the property of adhering or sticking to a surface; adhesive.
Based on this definition, I think it's more than acceptable to consider magnets to be "sticky". Magnets definitely "stick" to things!!!!
Regardless, what an interesting question!!! A beautiful combination of electromagnestism and semantics. The study of magnets is absolutely fascinating. They're so interesting. Thanks!
Answered by saccharomycescerevisiae on May 2, 2021
At most you might get away with using 'sticky' in a metaphorical way. It already is used in that way, for example in the old pop song "I'm stuck on you". The idea that you are an adhesive surface onto which I am 'stuck' is metaphorical. I can be 'stuck on' somebody in this sense even at a distance of hundreds of miles.
Magnetism is, of course, a weird kind of 'adhesive'. Two pieces of sticky paper will stick together even more strongly than sticky paper to something non-sticky. Two magnets are equally likely to repel as to attract each other. It depends on the poles.
But it's a free language: you can use a metaphor if you think it will be understood. Simply, I should advise 'scare' quotes when you describe a magnet as 'sticky'.
Answered by Tuffy on May 2, 2021
This question, like many others that appear on this site, presupposes that words have sharply delineated meanings, and that it is always possible to determine, in a definite yes-or-no manner, whether something is covered by the meaning of a word. Most words of everyday English (unlike legal and scientific terminologies) are, however, not like that.
Magnets are not within the core of the meaning of sticky; they are not what a typical speaker of the language thinks of upon hearing the word. Most people would not spontaneously characterise magnets as sticky. On the other hand, if somebody insisted on saying that magnets are sticky, we would probably understand what is meant; we would find this person's choice of words eccentric, but not unintelligible. If the question were then posed whether this unusual use of sticky is literal or metaphorical, it is unlikely that there would be a consensus.
Answered by jsw29 on May 2, 2021
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