Out of curiosity: why do so many people on R&S use the singular form of "atheist" to refer to the group?

Question

I've seen this done by pretty much everyone, from the Christians ("Atheist: why don't you have morals?) to the other atheists ("Fellow atheist, what do you think about...") to the inane questions ("Atheist: what color is your toothbrush?"). Is there some grammatical rule I'm missing?

Well if it's that they're speaking to each person as an individual, why isn't it done with Christians, Jews, Muslims, Pagans, etc? I only see it done with atheists.

myfrenzcallmeheath: I really do have better things to do, but I'd rather sit around and pick at people's grammar. Thanks.

Fuzzy: here's an example of an atheist doing it: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aj72TO13R9_plUUVk.uQI7gjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20070922001424AA7Kfpf

Answer 1

I am guilty, but I do it on purpose. When I want an overall Atheist outlook, I used the Plural. When I want an individual answer from Atheists, I don't. Confusing huh?

Answer 2

Hmmm, I haven't noticed that we (atheists) do that with each other. I've noticed that questions that begin with the singular "atheist" are usually accusatory.

In that regard, I think it's because it accuses the individual. I'm not sure what the point of that is, other than some weird notion of linguistic intimidation.

Another big one is "EVOLUTIONIST: Blah blah blah"

I assumed those questions are directed against atheists because some Evangelical movement started it as a way to interrogate "the evolutionist" (ie, the biology teacher) in the room.

Well, I dunno, Rachel. That user also capitalizes "Atom" but doesn't capitalize "christian."

Answer 3

They use the singular form because they are speaking to each person as an individual. This is a common grammatical tool to inject a level of familiarity and individual attention into a statement or question.

Answer 4

You've got it made if that's the only mistake you find here on answers. Some of the questions are so poorly written , the punctuation and spelling so bad , that it's almost impossible to determine what the person wants to know . Omitting one s isn't that bad compared .

Answer 5

The atheists are singled out as one. Who knows maybe we just forget the "s" since there is an "s" before the "t."

Answer 6

As a Colllege Teacher I can tell you that most Americans' spelling and grammar are simply deplorable! Take that into the mix along with the large numbers here for whom English is a second language, and I think you can account for it easily enough.

Answer 7

uhhh.... does it really matter?? if you noticed that and are actually dwelling on it, you need to find something to do... its the internet, who cares about a missing s?? i mean, you do still know that they are refering to atheists, even if they miss that s at the end?? its sad that you guys have nothing better to talk about that someones spelling for goodness sake.

Answer 8

Atheist look cooler than Atheists.

Answer 9

You're not missing anything. People are just grammatically stupid :o) It irritates me when people refer to their driver's license as something plural. My friend Angel always says she "lost them" which really makes me want to punch her in the face. But I love her. :o)

I'll respond to your email in a sec!

Answer 10

I blame Donovan McNabb.