Word use, especially short phrases with a LOT of contextual content, is fascinating. I often think the ambiguity is strategic, a sort of motte-and-bailey to smuggle in implications without actually saying them.
“like” vs “upvote” is a great example. The ambiguity is whether you like that the post/comment was made, vs whether you like the thing that the post/comment references. Either word could be ambiguous in that way, but “upvote” is a little clearer that you think the post is “good enough to win (something)”, vs “like” is just a personal opinion about your interests.
Word use, especially short phrases with a LOT of contextual content, is fascinating. I often think the ambiguity is strategic, a sort of motte-and-bailey to smuggle in implications without actually saying them.
“like” vs “upvote” is a great example. The ambiguity is whether you like that the post/comment was made, vs whether you like the thing that the post/comment references. Either word could be ambiguous in that way, but “upvote” is a little clearer that you think the post is “good enough to win (something)”, vs “like” is just a personal opinion about your interests.