8 Phrases That Don't Mean What You Think They Mean

[TallGeekyGirl]

Having read their list of "Nine Words That Don't Mean What You Think," we've decided to expand the usage fun and throw out some phrases which also may not mean what you believe them to mean.

And yes, they have the infamous "could care less" phrase that's led to more than one headbutting contest right here on our beloved snopes boards. It's #1.


http://www.asylum.com/2009/10/06/phr...ink-they-mean/

[Gibbie]

See I always thought that "the exception that proves the rule" was proving the rule that all rules have exceptions.

Gibbie

[James G]

I could swear that last time I saw that article it wasn't filled with gratuitous breasts. Seriously, is every Cracked article like that and I've only just noticed?

[BringTheNoise]

I've been looking around and I think it's just that one. I hope this isn't the start of a trend.

[AnglRdr]

Comments are awesome!

This was BORING, and a waste of my time. Whoever wrote this, needs to stock cucumbers at the grocery store, instead of writing an article. As someone who loves reading, writing, and the English language itself, this insulted my intelligence.

And you're a pretty, pretty princess, and the whole internet exists just for your entertainment, and nobody else's.

[bthyb]

Originally Posted by James G

I could swear that last time I saw that article it wasn't filled with gratuitous breasts. Seriously, is every Cracked article like that and I've only just noticed?

I'm not seeing any breasts.

[James G]

Originally Posted by bthyb

I'm not seeing any breasts.

All the photos of women reading are framed so as to exaggerate their cleavage. They all seem to be either wearing bikinis, or tops which give the camera a clear view. (Okay, in a couple the books are being used specifically to obscure the breasts, although it is clear that the placement in these cases is still intended to draw attention to the obscured breast. Mainly because these photos are the ones in which no bra is being worn)

[Pudding Crawl]

The breasts are in the Cracked article, about the 9 Words, not the new article on the 8 phrases.

[Ieuan ab Arthur]

Originally Posted by Gibbie

See I always thought that "the exception that proves the rule" was proving the rule that all rules have exceptions.

Gibbie

Not quite. Here's someone else's take on the situation (though I don't make any claims for the reliability of the information).

Ta ra 'wan,

Ieuan "I rule" ab Arthur

[James G]

Originally Posted by Pudding Crawl

The breasts are in the Cracked article, about the 9 Words, not the new article on the 8 phrases.

Ahh, I hadn't realised that there were two different links. I should have twigged when it didn't match the description.

[AnglRdr]

Never mind!

[candy from strangers]

Originally Posted by James G

All the photos of women reading are framed so as to exaggerate their cleavage. They all seem to be either wearing bikinis, or tops which give the camera a clear view. (Okay, in a couple the books are being used specifically to obscure the breasts, although it is clear that the placement in these cases is still intended to draw attention to the obscured breast. Mainly because these photos are the ones in which no bra is being worn)

I noticed that as well. I guess Cracked follows the Penn & Teller rule "everything's more interesting when you add superfluous tits"

[bthyb]

Originally Posted by candy from strangers

I noticed that as well. I guess Cracked follows the Penn & Teller rule "everything's more interesting when you add superfluous tits"

I'm wondering if Penn will put his daughter naked in his show when she's of age.

[Beejtronic]

I remember reading the Cracked article a while ago and, yes, the breasts have always been there.

Can someone provide me an example of "begging the question?" I've read the definition numerous times in the past, and I still can't seem to get my head around it.

[effo5231]

Originally Posted by bthyb

I'm wondering if Penn will put his daughter naked in his show when she's of age.

From what I understand of Penn's personality and philosophical bent... if she wanted to I think he totally would.

[Silas Sparkhammer]

Originally Posted by Beejtronic

I remember reading the Cracked article a while ago and, yes, the breasts have always been there.

Can someone provide me an example of "begging the question?" I've read the definition numerous times in the past, and I still can't seem to get my head around it.

Begging the question is a form of circular argument.

"How do I know I can trust your IOU for $20.00?"
"Well, you can ask Joe; he'll vouch for me."
"But I don't know Joe. How do I know his judgement is any good?"
"Oh, I'll vouch for Joe! He's totally honest."

I, too, have used "begs the question" in the sense of "that invites the question," or "the obvious next question would be...." I know it's wrong, and have tried to change my usage.

re phrases and meanings, it is possible to be much too strict about literal meaning. Suppose I say, "That article was really lame." Would anyone here find it necessary to say, "Nothing in that article resembled an injury to a foot or hoof?" Obviously not; we know darn well that it's a metaphor. Playing the "literal interpretation" game is -- well, it's lame.

Silas

[A Cat Named Easter]

Originally Posted by James G

I could swear that last time I saw that article it wasn't filled with gratuitous breasts. Seriously, is every Cracked article like that and I've only just noticed?

Apparently, my work agrees with all of you on this. The 8 words article is blocked for offensive material, while the 9 phrases article is not.

[JessBoo]

Originally Posted by Beejtronic

I remember reading the Cracked article a while ago and, yes, the breasts have always been there.

Can someone provide me an example of "begging the question?" I've read the definition numerous times in the past, and I still can't seem to get my head around it.

Assuming the point has already in proved, in order to prove it.
A: animals can understand and speak english
b: no they can't
A: if a dog were here right now, it'd totally agree with me.

[Dactyl]

The exception that proves the rule is one of my favourites to use properly and watch the quizzical look on people's faces.

Originally Posted by Gibbie

See I always thought that "the exception that proves the rule" was proving the rule that all rules have exceptions.

Gibbie

Wouldn't you consider that unprovable?

Originally Posted by Silas Sparkhammer

I, too, have used "begs the question" in the sense of "that invites the question," or "the obvious next question would be...." I know it's wrong, and have tried to change my usage.

While I'm aware how "begging the question" should be used, I also use it to mean "invites the question". However, I don't feel a need to change my usage as "begging the question (to be asked)" makes perfect sense in that context IMHO.

The most overused misused phrase IME is "Sour Grapes". People use it to mean bitter about not getting something you want, whereas it actually means to disparage something you don't want.

For example if Team A loses to Team B in a knockout competition.

- The common misuse is a fan of Team A may saying "We only lost due to a biased referee".

- The correct usage would be a fan of Team A saying "We didn't want to win that match anyway as we're concentrating on other competitions".

[bjohn13]

First of all, I've never heard the phrase "the exception that proves the rule" before.

Now....I've never used the phrase "begs the question" before. However, there have been a few examples of the phrase here...can anyone use it in a sentence so I could see its proper context? I've heard others use the phrase, and it has kind of befuddled me...why would anyone want to beg a question?