Comments on: Southern lessons

By: Robin

Robin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:01:03 +0000

JoGeek, I believe that situation is what is called “sarchasm”: “The giant gulf between what is said and the person who doesn’t get it.”

http://www.ling.upenn.edu/~beatrice/humor/sarchasm.html

By: JoGeek

JoGeek — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:23:29 +0000

I’d say enigmatic sarcasm is all about the intent. The southern “interesting” in the mouth of a northerner is going to be more about snark than filler.

If sarcasm falls in the woods and no one hears it, does it offend?

By: Robin

Robin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:08:40 +0000

How does Southern “interesting” compare to Vulcan “fascinating”?

By: Shulamuth

Shulamuth — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:09:35 +0000

Southern “interesting” isn’t (at least intentionally) enigmatic sarcasm. It’s what you say about something you can’t think of anything nice to say about. Admittedly, this has the same end-result, but it’s meant differently.

By: JoGeek

JoGeek — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:21:05 +0000

Shulamuth: I hardly think southerners have cornered the market on enigmatic sarcasm :-)

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:24:13 +0000

Molly Ivins’s great old example: “That Dan Quayle, bless his heart….”
The update, and how I wish Ms. Ivins were around to issue it, would be “Sarah Palin…”

By: Shulamuth

Shulamuth — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:54:13 +0000

JoGeek, is that a Southern use of “Interesting?

By: Hope

Hope — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:18:11 +0000

I love Tupelos! Their crepes are out of this world delicious.

By: JoGeek

JoGeek — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:29:34 +0000

Interesting how enforced holiday fun generates almost as much vitriol as kids and religion :-)