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Old 10-02-2009, 07:05 PM   #74
DanaC
We have to go back, Kate!
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 25,964
@ Sky: Sundae wasn't actually suggesting that Americans are genetically lazy.

Quote:
Americans broke from Britain which would make the genetically inclined laziness statement ironic at best.
And there's the clincher. It's that damned irony again. You've used the word 'ironic' without in any way taking on board the ironic nature of the post. 'At best'? Which means you actually consider the idea that she really does think Americans are genetically lazy? Wouldn't that kind of fly in the face of everything we all know about Sundae? Somewhat out of character maybe? Colloquially (and i realise this may be different for you than for me, and I suppose that's kind of the point)...colloquially that phrase, unless accompanied by the sister statement 'at worst....etc' generally denotes that the 'at best' is either unlikely, or barely less negative than the 'worst' in nature.

It wasn't 'ironic..at best' it was just plain old irony.


I am feeling most irritable. One too many episodes of House.
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Quote:
There's only so much punishment a man can take in pursuit of punani. - Sundae
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Last edited by DanaC; 10-02-2009 at 07:18 PM.
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