There are a large number of questions on meta that deal with tag synonyms, requesting a merger via so-called synonyms. To name a few:
- Should {accepted-answer} be a synonym of {accepting}?
- Make {dashes} and {comma} synonyms of {punctuation}
- Make {external-images} a synonym of {graphics}
- ...
However, in some dark, concealed janitorial closet, there actually exists (what seems to me) a formal place where tag synonyms are/could be suggested, vetted, approved or declined. My question relates to the best practice to utilize this feature. For example, what is the best (sometimes fastest) option:
- Post a question on Meta (similar to the above); or
- Follow a process and nominate synonyms formally.
Take, for example, the following two tags on Meta: tagging and retagging. The latter exists (for whatever reason) and could be used as a tag synonym for tagging yet it has no questions tagged with it. The criteria for community approval and engagement in this process is also somewhat strict:
Users with more than 2500 reputation and a total answer score of 5 or more on the tag, can suggest tag synonyms. Users with a total answer score (total upvotes minus total downvotes) of 5 or more on the tag, can vote for tag synonyms. Suggestions will be automatically approved when they reach a score of 4, and automatically deleted when they reach a score of -2.