The practice of decimation has its roots in Roman history as recorded by Livy. It was a form of punishment for mutinous or cowardly soldiers. Soldiers were divided into groups of ten, and within each group, one soldier would be chosen by lot and killed, either by clubbing or stoning. In other words, decimation is the destruction of one in ten. If you look at the word, you can even see the prefix "deci" that comes from the Latin for ten.
"Total decimation" is an oxymoron. If one tenth is destroyed, nine tenths survive. If you want to show that every member of a group was killed, "total destruction" is a more accurate way to express your meaning.
And when you hear someone else say "total decimation," join me in counting to ten before venting your frustration.
Hey Linda,
ReplyDeleteEvery day is a learning experience!
I listen to Mike McGrath from time to time and did hear him say "total decimation." I didn't think anything of it until I read your posting. I then went to Merriam-Webster - not to double-check on your info but to read more about decimation. Your definition is the first listing! Only the second part of the third listing mentions anything about causing great desctruction or harm. I'll now always remember that to decimate refers to only one in ten.
Now, what's the story behind December? :-)
MD
That's a great question. I'll do some research.
ReplyDeleteIt could be that, in ancient times, March was the first month, making December the 10th month. Just sayin'
ReplyDelete