Many syntax highlighters actually interpret the language to some extent. For example, Atom: https://github.blog/2018-10-31-atoms-new-parsing-system/

Anyway I'm just posting now as I first read this comment when you posted it and tried to recall this blog post by the infamous Steve Yegge, and just finally did: http://steve-yegge.blogspot.com/2007/06/rich-programmer-food...