Say what you mean

I find myself becoming increasingly irritated by your constant use of the stupid term ‘lese majeste’.

The Nation is an English-language newspaper published in Thailand. You should be using English or Thai words – not French. “Lese majeste” is a French term derived from a Latin term that literally means “wounded majesty” and makes no sense whatsoever. 

My dictionary has an English term, “lese-majesty”, which is derived from the French and makes equally little sense. It is defined as an offence against a sovereign power, or treason. It can also mean an attack on authority. 

Here in Thailand, as near as I can make out, “lese majeste” means disrespect for the monarchy. If disrespect for the monarchy is what you mean, that’s what you should say. If treason is what you mean, that’s what you should say. Let’s get rid of this stupid term “lese majeste”. It only promotes confusion, and the confusion in Thailand is bad enough already. 

Yours grumpily.

Ye Olde Pedant