>>>To me, to feel insult from the word "twit" is more a problem of language. I can see tht the majority of non-native English speakers might easily get the wrong impression. That's why I took some time to write this.
>>
>>Jim, thanks for this explanation. Two general comments. First, Naomi too is not a native speaker. Second, the explanation in the dictionaries surely suggests otherwise.
>
>Well I've given you a real-life example. I've called many friends twit or twittish, most directly to their faces.
>But there's nothing I can do if you choose to "trust" the dictionary over common usage. I tried.
>I just hope it isn't mainly because the dictinary is suiting your purpose better at this time.
>
>I'll bow out now.

Ho wait, I was not critizing your explaination. Instead, I try to make people aware how esp. non-native speakers can interpret the word and FEEL offended and insulted, after they have looked up the word in the dictionary.

There are comparable words in Dutch, like 'sufferd'. That word is used either to derogate or to criticize a friend mildly, in the latter case it should for sure be said with a smile. If I'd use it in a forum or in a weblog towards someone and if I'd not use a smiley, it would for sure be seen as offensive and insulting. It is my hunch that this is also the case with 'twit' in your language.

Let's face it, it is not a token of affection. Right?