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Re: Neologism?
grelber #11129 07/26/10 11:28 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
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How about: aliterate - a person who can read but is disinclined to derive information from literary sources.
Also, from various definitions of fool/stupid, etc., I only found two that also have a meaning of incompetent; these are doofus (mentioned before) and dork (although the second meaning of the word is quite different).
English is a very efficient language, but I guess, what you want cannot be described in full in one word. Unless you want to create your own... (literoofus)


Alex
3.1 GHz 13" MacBook Pro 2015, 8 GB RAM, OS 10.11.2, Office 2011, TimeWarner Cable
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Re: Neologism?
macnerd10 #11134 07/27/10 09:14 AM
Joined: Aug 2009
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grelber Offline OP
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The prefix a- in its meaning "without" (eg, aphasia, ataxia) is fairly restrictive.
That's why in- (with its various Latinate assimilations) is used for "not".
I quite like "preliterate" in a facetious sense for adults who have ostensibly learned to read but suck at it.
Literacy does not constitute ability to comprehend; just look at those who botch theirs SATs.
As I recall, back in olden days, English classes had regular sessions devoted to "reading for comprehension". I always thought that that was "funny strange", for what would be the point otherwise? But now I come across myriads (yes, myriads) of people who are literate and incomprehensive (and, for that matter, cashiers who are innumerate — but that's a whole other story).

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