Hyphen

Question

"The large trees like the ceiba have buttresses that lie flat on the platform of the forest; some of the narrower trees are supported by stilt-roots at the base that look like whisk brooms."
Why is the hyphen between stilt and roots necessary?
I DON'T GET IT!
It doesn't even function as an adjective, why does it need a hyphen?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

There is no need to get excited.  The hyphen doesn't bother me at all.  The form has probably been coined by the writer or is used by a narrow group of botanists.  The writer or a predecessor has chosen to make 'stilt-root' the name of that type of root system.

Prajwalkr · Answer

chivalryWhy is the hyphen between stilt and roots necessary?

Stilt-roots is a compound word, that is it is formed by joining two other words. Such words are generally linked by a hyphen. This, I think, is the reason for the hyphen between stilt and roots.

Regards
Prajwal

Chivalry · Answer

Mister MicawberThere is no need to get excited. The hyphen doesn't bother me at all. The form has probably been coined by the writer or is used by a narrow group of botanists. The writer or a predecessor has chosen to make 'stilt-root' the name of that type of root system.

I'm not getting excited but CONFUSED as ANYONE can obviously be able to tell, or perhaps not

Mister Micawber · Answer

Using all capital letters is interpreted as shouting.

Chivalry · Answer

Mister MicawberUsing all capital letters is interpreted as shouting.

Then I can assure you that that's just a false supposition, I used all capital letters to emphasize just how confused I was, and I guess that's not a legit rule that capitalized letters are indications of shouting. After all, how can I shout through a computer screen?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Most online guides to netiquette, like this one—

— include the rule against all caps, chivalry:

Do not use all caps on the internet because it is shouting. All caps is considered shouting on the internet. Shouting is not polite. Therefore, it is bad netiquette to use all caps on the internet because shouting is not polite.

Using all capital letters in electronic communication is like shouting at someone in person. It is a common technique used by HUSTLERS to get attention.

It does not matter what form of internet communication you are using, shouting is not acceptable. There are caveats and exceptions. Subject lines, headings, and advertisements are often in all capital letters for readability reasons.

No one likes to be yelled at, but every once in a while you have to shout at someone to get their attention. Therefore, using all caps is bad netiquette because it's shouting, but is acceptable for certain reasons.

It is acceptable for website heading to be in all caps, but not personal messages.

All Caps is popular on classified advertising and auction websites because it is a good way to make your ad stand out. I do not recommend responding to ads with all caps.

In reality, shouting at someone is done to get their attention through intimidation. Shouting breaks the standard level of volume and tone, a voice should carry, to force someone into doing something. This is not socially acceptable in a civilized society because it is a use of force not reason.

Shouting at people is unreasonable in most cases. It raises the case that standard text should carry. It is not acceptable in a civilized cybersphere. Therefore, it is bad netiquette to use all caps because it is unacceptable to yell at people in a civilized society or cybersphere.

Do not digitally disrespect others by using all caps.

Issue: Whether or not it is acceptable to use all captial letters on the internet.

Rule: Using all caps means you are a Troll. Do not use all capital letter words on social networks, in e-mail messages, on discussion board chats, or through any form of personal internet communication.

Application: A troll is someone who causes trouble on the internet. There are many ways to get this label. The most common way is to post comments that are personal attacks or use all caps inappropriately.

Conclusion: All capital letter communication on the internet is bad netiquette because it is troll behavior.

Issue: Whether or not I should bid on an eBay item or inquire about a Craigslist post in all capitall letters.

Rule: Stay away from classified advertisements and auction items listed in all capital letters because it distracts your attention from the things the user is trying to hide.

Application: If an advertisement or item is good enough to sell on its own, it will sell fast.

Classified advertisements on Craigslist that have all caps draw attention to the benefits of whatever is being advertised very well. However, they hide major defects and deal breakers. I have had a similar experience on eBay.

Conclusion: It is common for people to have bad experiences with people who use all caps.

Chivalry · Answer

Mister MicawberQuote

I find it adorable that you actually abide by the rules set by some online "netiquette" guides, did it also mention that "netiquette" is not even a formal word to use on a discussion board like this and therefore it's impolite, too?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Among the rules we abide by here is respect for our moderators and their advice.  If you do not find it of value, then you should search out another forum, as we have little tolerance for confrontation.  Simple as that.

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