I would venture to say that the improper use of words stems from a combination of illiteracy, and ignorance. I credit learning institutions for this. The number of children graduating that are functionally illiterate has risen by leaps and bounds in the last 10 years. It seems to me that the schools don't even teach basic arithmetic anymore either. I guess the schools these days are overly occupied with being politicaly correct, and have to pass students on to the next grade regardless. Chalk up another one for the "no child left behind act"