From

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unique

Main Entry: unique
Pronunciation: \yu̇-ˈnēk\
Function: adjective
Etymology: French, from Latin unicus, from unus one — more at one
Date: 1602

1: being the only one : sole <his unique concern was his own comfort> <I can't walk away with a unique copy. Suppose I lost it? — Kingsley Amis> <the unique factorization of a number into prime factors>

2 a: being without a like or equal : unequaled <could stare at the flames, each one new, violent, unique — Robert Coover> b: distinctively characteristic : peculiar 1 <this is not a condition unique to California — Ronald Reagan>

3: unusual <a very unique ball-point pen> <we were fairly unique, the sixty of us, in that there wasn't one good mixer in the bunch — J. D. Salinger>

The reason I bring this up is because I'm seeing a veritable plethora of profiles in which someone claims "I am the most unique person you'll ever meet!!" and then goes directly into a self-description which is interchangeable with any and/or all of the last 4000 profiles I've read.

I'm wondering if this is simply a lack of understanding re: the definition of the term, or if this is just another one of those "universals" that people think they SHOULD put into a profile....?

Do they think that simply claiming to be "unique" somehow makes it true....?

<--- is unique and special I also like to camp and hike and walk by the river holding hands with that other special unique someone.

I think everyone thinks they are unique. Genuinely. But overall, we're pretty much the same. Kinda sad... but whatever. I'll get over being average and boring.

Nobody wants to say they are just like everybody else, including you.

From your definition everyone should use the term unique to describe themself. No two people are exactly alike therefore we all are unique.

I am like all but I am also so different.

Lex amigo, I will put it to you this way.

I was at a show about 4 months ago and the band opening for my old band had a fanclub of these "emo kids" who all dressed seemingly identical, 7 of 9 of the guys had the exact same haircut with the exact same dye that was black with neon red highlights.

While hanging out with a buddy of mine I happened to overhear thier conversation when it was between songs and all I caught was one of them saying, "I am so tired of people saying we all look so much alike! I wear what I wear to be unique."

It seemed relevant as I was typing it, but eh, lets see where that heads this conversation to.

I don't think it's necessary to make the claim, though. People can come to their own conclusions based on what you present to them.

Self-assessments are rarely worth the paper (screen?) they're printed on, at least in terms of validity to someone else.

How many times have I seen someone describe themselves as "sexy" or "caring" or "intelajint" -- ?? Doesn't make it true. It's just a word they throw out there to make an impression.

Should everyone just leave there profiles blank then? Kinda defeats the purpose of why we are all here.

Rasmus, thank you, that's a really good alternate example of what I was getting at!

I mean, there's "different" -- and, sure, the emo look is non-mainstream enough to be perceived as "different" -- I see people at the mall sometimes who are clearly frightened by the emo kids! -- but certainly not "unique." Not when there are a clump of 7 or 8 of them all hanging out together with the same "uniform."

But I'm wondering if there are those who assign a negative spin to "different" ("Oh, she's in her rebellious stage, she's just trying to be different") but a positive one to "unique" ("She's one of a kind, you have to respect her for that").

A subtle distiction, perhaps; but I rarely see any profiles with someone claiming to be "different." If the topic is addressed at all, it's always "unique."

Hmm, maybe i should change laid back to unique on my profile

Besides..... can you really be the 'most unique'? You either are unique. Or you're not.

Hmmmm...IMO it's just semantics...why bother? If the term "unique" makes someone fell better about themselves...who are we to try to tear that down?

I'm only unique to someone who hasn't met someone like me before.

People make the claim of being different or unique because that is how they see themselves. Their self assesment is part of their self. You act according to what you think you are, even if you are not what you would like to think you are. Truth and perception are two different things.

I was thinking about it, and in all honesty, I am finding more and more that the only way to "truly" be unique is to simply not try to be unique. Too many people are trying so hard to be different, they all end up looking more like a herd of sheep.

In terms of informational content or substance, most of them leave theirs blank, for all intents and purposes, anyway.

It just strikes me as somewhat contradictory when someone writes "I'm the most unique person you'll ever meet! I like to watch movies and hang out with my friends!"

And it could be that she really IS the most unique person I would ever meet -- but not for THOSE reasons....!?

You would therefore, I assume, be OK with confirming a midget's assertion that he is, in fact, seven feet tall.

Honestly if I found a midget who had that bad of a Napolean complex, he would be my new best friend. The barfights we would get into, I would almost have to dress like Dr. Evil and force him to dress like Minime

Maybe he just uses a different and unique type of ruler.