this post was submitted on 28 Jan 2024
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I have started listening to random American city council meetings lately for white noise. Since they're all bureaucratic-flavored boredom anyway.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Words have more than one meaning and your use of it is completely fine imo.

White noise can also mean:

meaningless or distracting commotion, hubbub, or chatter

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago

I agree we get to map definitions as we see fit. I propose we use the word “noise” for what you mentioned, and when the term gets longer it should refer to something more specific.

In the term “white noise”, the “white” refers to equal energy output in each wavelength, I believe. It’s distinguished from pink noise, brown noise, etc.

Of course, it should also refer to white nationalist propaganda, because there’s no way that could cause any confusion.

“I put a little white noise so I can go so sleep easier”

😬