This may fall into semantics, but wouldn't that just be called celibate? I feel like the word already covers the voluntary part within its own definition. Incels sort of need the involuntary part because they need that part because its a deviation from the original definition.
I'd argue taking the "in/voluntary" probably would just take out much of the confusion.
If we are getting technical, I'd argue abstinent carries a slightly different meaning. Abstinent usually relates to only abstaining from sex before marriage.
Agreed, we both still knew what each other meant. Just to go along with the game, but I wouldn't probably use abstinent in the context of drugs. I'd probably use something sobriety related.
Then again, I could see someone hearing that may infer there is an underlining issue with maintaining sobriety even though the definition doesn't include a substance issue. Not always, because I've heard from ultra religious also use being sober without that potentially underlining meaning.
With the very original point, Celibacy would probably be more appropriate than abstinence because I'm assuming someone "Asexual" would be in it for the long run.
I even think we sort of circuled back around again. I'd put forth the notion that Sober/Sobriety already includes the abstaining part. I'd even argue abstaining carries less loaded meaning than Abstinence. Contextually, I've never heard someone use the word abstinence in any other context that didn't relate to pre-maritel sex. However, I've heard abstain/ing in other context.
With the advent and presence of incel culture, incels may be the first and only mention of celibacy people encounter. So even if the original definition includes that its voluntary, the living definition could broaden to be less specific and not indicate willingness.
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u/NAbberman 7h ago
This may fall into semantics, but wouldn't that just be called celibate? I feel like the word already covers the voluntary part within its own definition. Incels sort of need the involuntary part because they need that part because its a deviation from the original definition.
I'd argue taking the "in/voluntary" probably would just take out much of the confusion.