Use of the word 'spurious'

Alun

I've always used the word 'spurious' to describe abstract concepts as in 'spurious arguments' or 'spurious excuses'. The dictionary definition uses phrases like 'not genuine' and 'not being what it purports to be' to describe its meaning, but doesn't really go into what kinds of thing you can use it to describe.

Now, recently I've come across people here on boards use it to describe physical objects that weren't genuine, or of original manufacture such as car parts, as in 'Whatever you do, don't use spurious brake pads'. Taking the dictionary definition at face value that would be acceptable, but to my (English) ear (and that of my (English) wife)) it sounds just plain strange, and I'd never use it in that context in a million years.

Maybe it's a Hiberno-English thing, I don't know. What are your ideas on this?

FlutterinBantam

Me too... never met anyone yet who used "spurious" in that context.

However some of the punters on these boards have a ..well... rather free ..interpretation of the English language.

Blush_01

I've never heard it used in a physcial context and I'm Irish born and bred. Each to their own, eh?

Alun

OK, I'll feel OK about commenting on it when I see it used again then

liamo

I had never heard that usage until my younger brother began work a number of years ago as a mechanic. As per your example it was used to describe generic or non-branded motor parts, eg spurious brake pads, etc.

Since then I've heard it used in that fashion loads of times - always in connection with the motor industry. I've never heard anyone say "put some spurious RAM in your PC".

Regards,

Liam