In general, the left side of the political spectrum has a much stronger part in politics, and discussion, in Europe, compared to US. Continental Europe even more than UK. (Which can make it more difficult to follow the discussions, as it is mostly in other languages than in English.) Consequently, they also have more influence on the use and definition of words and concept used in political debate.

To get to the the heart of this, you probably would need to find a European leftist to talk with. I am writing this under the assumption that /u/igravious is one. Or, he could just be a bit of a jerk.