You’ve wondered if using MIA casually disrespects the military. Some veterans have indeed criticized its slang adoption as flippant. Yet the flexibility of language allows for multiple meanings. With thought, we can use this acronym in nuanced ways.
The casual use of MIA may seem disrespectful to some veterans who criticize its adoption as slang. However, language is flexible with room for multiple meanings. With care, this acronym can be used in thoughtful, nuanced ways.
Though some criticize MIA’s slang use, language flexibility allows layered meanings.