David Mitchell’s Soapbox
I think a rant is a great type of a speech, when done properly. It takes a strong point of view — in this case against two misuses of the English language (“I could care less” and “holding down the fort”) — and pounds it home with intelligence and wit.
Do you know any examples of rants worth sharing?
Tags: David Mitchell, rants, soapboxes
June 11th, 2010 at 5:55 am
I have always been perplexed by the phrase printed on fast food “to go” bags which reads: “Put litter in its place.”
Litter, by definition, is rubbish carelessly dropped or left about (especially in public places). Therefore, in order to put litter in its place, one should strew it about carelessly.
Why would fast food purveyors promote such behavio(u)r?
June 11th, 2010 at 10:25 am
Two Rants, both about the everyday misuse of language:
1) Ever notice how everyone from politicians to anchorpersons to pundit/expertpersons say “completely unique”? “No, this new produce from Apple is completely unique.” As opposed to what? Partly unique? It’s either unique or its not.
2) Related to #1 — Whenever I go to Las Vegas (not that I go to Las Vegas…) I see taxi-cab ads that advertise “gentlemens clubs” (another rant in itself) featuring girls who are “totally nude.” Again, AS OPPOSED TO WHAT? “Partially nude” is…uhhh…clothed, i.e. not nude.
Hmmm….am I turning into Grandpa Abe Simpson??? Just asking…
June 11th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Jeff, I hadn’t thought about the donundrum you pose, but you’re right. I suppose the marketing person who got paid to come up with that catchy phrase wouldn’t be able to justify his fees if he had simply suggested: “Please don’t litter.”
DrProcter, I’m with you on the unique rant, but it’s a lost cause. And while we’re on gentlemens club and various stages of being completely without clothes, how about “adult” as a synonym for pornographic: adult bookstores.