Wait...Say That Again?
One of my favorite films is the Princess Bride. Its funny. Its quotable. It has call-backs. These things make it great. One of my favorite bits is The Scillian with his, "Inconceivable!"; particularly when Inigo Montoya says, "I don't think that means what you think that means."
This happens alot in the world, by the way, at least to me. Frequently, someone will jump into a conversation, or someone will misspeak, or it will turn out that Americans just don't use that word that way and bam! Miscommunication. I don't think that means what you think that means. Or, in the context of a conversation, I don't think I mean what you think I mean.
So, In honor of this hiccup of communication, I have found an online quiz about "doublespeak". Or, in the case, intentionally deceptive or ambiguous language used by businesses or government officials. Its an interesting little quiz, I recommend that you go and take it and then report back and let me know how you did. (If you don't want me to publish your score, just leave a note in the comment and I will screen it out.)
I missed one, who would have guessed that meant death? I think this is a good topic to become aware of, especially now in the run up the beginning of the American Election cycle.
Comments
I got that same one wrong, as well as 'synthetic glass'--it makes sense now in retrospect, but I was thinking ice.
Euphemisms are great. So are dysphemisms. But more and more what amuses me nowadays are euphemisms for euphemisms. Although, I can't think of an example at the moment.
Posted by: Preston | May 29, 2007 10:05 PM
I had a little trouble with normal gratitude=bribe (?). I did like "vegetarian leather" :)
Posted by: Melissa W | May 29, 2007 10:12 PM
Euphemisms of euphemisms? I'm intriqued. If you think of any, let me know!
Posted by: Kat(e) | May 30, 2007 07:13 PM