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Which seems to be dismissed. As you also seem to dismiss it.

It does have "a" negative connotation, but it is not the only connotation, and is, in fact, rather more secondary.

So, I don't think you could say the article is fair in any case, although it may correctly describe "a" usage of the word.

I still would offer the benefit of the doubt, on the whole, that Deb is not implying that this is the only meaning, but rather more seeks to defend the negative usage of the word only in respect to the previous article and comments thereon.