But nonetheless, in painting pictures through descriptions with simple phrases, how words are intended can vary wildly from how they may be interpreted from within the bubble of that code itself.
Wanganui athlete Candice Hammond enjoyed continued success at the Ironman New Zealand in Taupo last weekend, finishing third for the second consecutive year behind American Meredith Kessler and top Kiwi Gina Crawford.
While this was duly reported, celebrated really, in Monday's paper, the hard working Hammond got in touch later in the week to clarify a discrepancy one seemingly innocuous but in the world she inhabits a very important point.
Midway through the 180km cycling leg, it was described how Hammond worked together with Aussie-based Michelle Bremer under what would be described as "pacing", which was prefaced by the explanation of her forthright view that "drafting" two or more bunched riders taking turns shielding each other is very wrong. Hammond's concern, rightfully so, was the implication to the ironman fans who read those words was that she had abandoned her mantra and was in effect, breaking the rules.
"I absolutely detest drafting deemed cheating in ironman but I am not opposed to athletes competing by the rules and maintaining a 10m draft free zone," she explained in her email.
"This is not drafting, as drafting is understood to be, in a cycle or running race where people are centimetres away from each other and really cashing in on the draft benefit from wind resistance."
To be very clear, Hammond's third placing was not through any intentional or accidental rule infraction she is a top nationally ranked athlete off the sweat of her brow and courage in her heart.
Yet interestingly, a little online research on the definitions of "pacing" and "drafting" took me to some industry forums which show even the fan base have widely different views on what each means.
The 10m gap is universally accepted, but acknowledged by some that pacing at this distance still allows a "slight draft effect" kind of like rugby league where you could run back further after the completed tackle if you wish, but want to be as close to the attacking team as legally permissible.
Further still, when approaching another cyclist from behind in order to overtake them, one could be said to be technically "drafting" off them to get the key advantage.
There are time limits to either complete the overtaking manoeuvre or to back off outside the 10m zone, and deciding how long would be up to the judge's discretion. Time it right and one could approach five other riders and arguably "draft" for a reasonable period by making one's way past all of them.
So, the lesson is lived and the lesson is learned I must pick my words very carefully.
And, of course, there is a difference between vague, contradicting terms, and flat out writer mistakes.
Hammond also won the Wanaka Iron-distance race in January, not what was reported Monday as the Wanaka Half Ironman, which was instead claimed by Larisa Marsh.
Apologies to both ladies.
