Beware the Shakti of homonyms

Synonyms - words that mean the same thing as another word - may be the more famous members of the rhetorical family. But homonyms - same words bearing different meanings - are the big cheese that have a bigger bite than the outermost layer of tree trunks when picking a panga. The latest word bomb in the field is 'shakti' - power, and the name for the fundamental cosmic energy embodied in female energy. By picking on the usage of the word in the former sense and turning it into the latter, one can effortlessly redirect a quarrel from being an accusation of misuse of power, with the denigration of Hindu divinity packed with E = mc2.

Homonyms are handy in that irritating, but infectious, device called puns. But what they essentially facilitate is turning double entendres - words or phrases open to two interpretations - into a single entendre. So, if you happen to advocate the philosophy of letting sleeping dogs lie - not interfering in a situation that is causing no problems - be on guard against someone accusing you of endorsing curs to spread misinformation. And be careful that someone doesn't accuse you of suggesting that two persons can engage in a fierce contest just because they'll 'make a fine match'. Because, remember, manipulation also can mean handling or using with skill - and not necessarily by insidious means.