"The problem here is a totalitarian uniformity, a cult-like mentality such that even allies are enemies if they fail to follow the Exact Party Line. " - Phyllis Chesler

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Idiots on Idiomatic Expressions

I've been listening to the stories of "outrage" from liberals against Tea Partyers and Republicans. Our words are being attacked, we are called mean or accused of incitement. And this BEGS for a response.


But before I do that I must address what I feel is the real issue that is at the core of our confrontation that is at a desperate crossroads IMHO. Liberals and Democrats are completely married to the idea of their position of entitlement and we, Independents and Conservatives are married to the idea of logic and reason. The only result in this situation can be a power play.


I'm fully aware that I'm writing this post based on logic, so it will most likely fall on deaf ears to those it needs to reach and preaching to the choir to the ones who will be receptive. But I'm going for it anyway.


There was great uproar over Sarah Palin's twitter post about the usage of the word crosshairs. Joy Behar accused Palin on The View of "support for the increasingly violent behavior directed towards Democrats".


This is utter ignorance and nonsense. The English language is riddled with phrases that don't mean the exact words we use. These are called IDIOMATIC PHRASES. This is a staple of our language. And it's a part of our culture.  Take for example "I love you to death." If it were up to the liberals and Marxists in the Democratic party they'd have you believe that you really wanted the death of that person when in fact that phrase actually has the opposite meaning.


Palin used the word and image "crosshair" to mean target. Now ask yourself honestly if Palin had simply used the word "target" would there have been the same allegations.


OK now look at the definition of target:

Target: an object, usually marked with concentric circles, to be aimed at in shooting practice or contests.
and also can be used to mean:

a goal to be reached

Nuances are very important in the English language. To completely ignore this fact of the culture of our language is disingenuous at best. The English language culture is filled with Hyperbole and Idiomatic phrases. Each one of us use these phrases every day and never realize it. But if you've ever had a conversation with someone who is not a native English speaker you'll instantly realize just how much we rely on these phrases for normal everyday communications.

However it appears that to far too many liberals that simple words used with HYPERBOLE is just too hard a concept for them to decipher. This is most likely a direct result of social promotion rather than passing based on learning and skills set proficiency. 

Hyperbole:

obvious and intentional exaggeration.



an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally, as “to wait an eternity.”

an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up 



Can you just imagine the twisting of the following idiomatic expressions by these liberals if Palin or other Republican leaders used these phrases in any of their public statements or printed materials?


"takes the cake"
"I'll be a monkey's Uncle"
"kiss my ass"
"a lick and a promise"
"a little birdie told me"
"penny for your thoughts?"
"a pretty penny"
"a steal"
"a watched pot never boils"
"about face"
"above board"
"ace up your sleeve"
"acid test"
"Adam's apple"
"last straw"
"laugh a minute"
"lay down the law"
"lend an ear"
"tackle an issue"
"take a nose dive"
"takes guts"
"taken for a ride"
 
Now read this and imagine their heads exploding.


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