So many people use 'begs the question' as 'raises the question' now that it's a valid meaning for the phrase.
EDIT: To the downvoters: I don't think you understand how human language works.
EDIT: To the downvoters: I don't think you understand how human language works.
For example using “because” without a preposition doesn’t become correct just because Buzzfeed makes it popular.
People make grammar/useage mistakes not because they consciously want to change the language but because they don’t know any differently. It’s quite different than how slang enters a language. Begs vs. raises the question isn’t some kind of colloquial thing, it’s just a misuse. I get things wrong when the language frequently enough, but when it’s pointed out, I don’t continue doing it; in fact, I am happy for the opportunity to increase my precision with the language.
It's like the word 'irregardless'. As much as 'it isn't a word', it clearly is, because you know what is meant when it's said, and plenty of people say it.
This isn't true in natural language. Do something enough times -- 'wrong' or 'right' -- and it becomes a part of the language. Like it or not.
Crack an Oxford English Dictionary sometime. Look up your favorite word. Notice that there will be tens of different definitions, including a historical trace of 'first uses' through semantic changes, for the single word.
>People make grammar/useage mistakes not because they consciously want to change the language but because they don’t know any differently
Consciously or not, they are changing the language. Language isn't a fixed thing with unbreakable rules. It is mutable. A language is however people use it; it isn't a thing to know in its entirety before using.