Why's it called paranormal and not subnormal ?

Question

all good answers, thanks but i always thought sub was below (submarine, subterrainial, subordinate) and para was above (parachute, parasol, paraphanalia (what's a phanalia ?))

Answer 1

Para = aside from, separated but near.

Sub = beneath, incomplete, below.

Paranormal (like paranoia [noia = minded]) describes something that resembles normality but is different and separated from.

Normally reserved for things that could have no rationally consistent mechanism.

Subnormal is used as a word, somewhat archaically, to refer to someone or something that is degenerate or disabled in someway. It would be considered offensive to refer to people in that way now.

There's also the newer word 'perinormal' meaning phenomena that are not explainable using current theories and sciences, but will probably end up being considered part of 'normality' in due course. From Peri = around, about.

Answer 2

because you didn't name it

Answer 3

"Para" means around or on the periphery of.  "Sub" means below.  Paranormal is probably more accurate than subnormal.

Answer 4

Paranormal means outside of normal, and can be  greater than normal or less than  normal.   Subnormal means less than or below normal.

Answer 5

subnormal suggests that there is a reason for an unusual event where as paranormal is the word used to describe something wierd without a reason.

Answer 6

Maybe it's called para normal..because normal ghosts always come in pairs....the same as ducks..".paraducks" / "paranormals"

Answer 7

Para means apart from or different to - so paranormal means in contrary to normality. Sub (in this context) means almost - many paranormal events are not almost normal - they are completely different to anything we can rationally explain.

Answer 8

are you a miget?

Answer 9

because it goes above or beyond the basic 5 senses that we are born.

Answer 10

It is on the fringe, so to speak .  I have often preferred to call it ultra-natural as it is using natural abilities and is related to things not seen, generally.    High energy experiences should not be called subnormal unless one is perhaps referring to the abilities of the subconscious, but that too is on a high order of experience and use of ones "tools".

Answer 11

Why isn't it just called "Normal"  ... cause it is.

These things have been going on since the beginning of time.  Wouldnt that make it  "normal"?

Answer 12

with your additional answers maybe its called that because its "above normal" rather then "below normal"