How is it that people that eat fish can say they are vegetarians?

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I see what you mean, it doesn't seem like you are judging anyone, but just making an observation. No need for some of the others to get so defensive. I don't eat red meat, but I don't try to say I'm a vegetarian. Morally, a fish doesn't have less of a right to life than a cow. I don't eat it for health reasons....Show more

I know exactly what you mean. I guess people just don't know what being a vegetarian means, some people told me 'eating only vegetables' or 'not eating red meat'. I remember a conversation with my aunt that went like this:

Aunt: So what kind of fish do you like?
Me: I quit eating fish because vegetarians don't eat fish
Aunt: Oh, I'm pretty sure vegetarians can eat fish.
Me: Well, seafood is still meat....Show more

It likely stems from the Roman Catholic (maybe other religions, too) practice on fast day (Friday). "Meat" is forbidden on fast day, except for fish, which is not considered "meat." Many people, whether Catholic or not, do not see fish as "meat," although it clearly is by definition.

I have spoken with several self proclaimed vegetarians who have told me they will not eat "anything with a face." Does this mean molluscs (clams, scallops, snails, etc.) are acceptable to eat? Just another example about the misconception of vegetarianism by definition....Show more

Technically if the only meat you eat is seafood, you're a pescetarian. However, most people don't understand that term, so some pescetarians just say "vegetarian" in passing so that people will get the basic idea....Show more

True, but many people just don't know or care about the labels. When I first "became" what I thought was a "vegetarian", I ate seafood. I simply didn't know. Now, I am fully vegetarian, but I really could care less about the terminology. Eating is a personal choice, and others shouldn't judge anyone who doesn't eat like they do. What difference does it make, really, what someone calls themselves?...Show more