Originally posted by FMFCheers have downloaded first four lectures for when I have some time.
Words are getting merged, lost, narrowed, widened and invented all the time. That's all we're talking about here really. If self-effacing and self-deprecating now mean the same to large numbers of native English speakers, then so be it. I find it an interesting topic. Here is a lecture series I was listening to just before Christmas. http://avaxhome.ws/ebooks/audiobook/2350993.html
As you probably agree, a language frozen in aspic is a dead language, possibly the best lexicon evolves in spite of resistance to change.
Originally posted by FMFAgain it depend entirely upon context, Shadwell the Welsh poet relied entirely upon his self effacing character for comic effect. Its futile to engage in generalisations without reference to context.
Would you describe Bristish humour as "self-effacing"? I would not.
It sounds as if the meaning of "self-effacing" and "self-deprecating" - in the context of 'taking the mickey out of oneself' - may have merged in many English speakers' minds.
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Originally posted by robbie carrobieSo you do not know whether you would describe British humour as "self-effacing"?
Again it depend entirely upon context, Shadwell the Welsh poet relied entirely upon his self effacing character for comic effect. Its futile to engage in generalisations without reference to context.
I would say that making jokes about one's own self effacing character would be an example of "self-deprecating" humour.
Its futile to engage in generalisations without reference to context.
The "context" is an attempt to encapsulate the humour in England: whether it is best described as "self-effacing" or "self-deprecating". kevcvs57 and I have expressed our take on it. You think expressing a view is "futile"?
Originally posted by FMFI certainly know from experience that engaging you in any type of 'meaningful ', discussion is a futile exercise. Thanks for proving it to me again, it had simply slipped my mind.
So you do not know whether you would describe British humour as "self-effacing"?
I would say that making jokes about one's own self effacing character would be an example of "self-deprecating" humour.
[b]Its futile to engage in generalisations without reference to context.
The "context" is an attempt to encapsulate the humour in England: whether it ...[text shortened]... cvs57 and I have expressed our take on it. You think expressing a view is "futile"?[/b]
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Originally posted by robbie carrobieSo you say "etymology interests [you] immeasurably" but you are not willing to express a view on the difference between "self-effacing" and "self-deprecating"?
I certainly know from experience that engaging you in any type of 'meaningful ', discussion is a futile exercise. Thanks for proving it to me again, it had simply slipped my mind.
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Australia:
Like: The people, especially my dear university friend who lived near Ascot, Brisbane and wrote poetry (one about tea, "Oh, Albion, does it still taste the same?); Barry Byrnes also played piano (from/to paintings in place sheet music as if in Carnegie Hall). Also, loved the whimsical skies painted by Marc Chagall. Barry died @ the age of 35. Wrote an elegy a year later, playful as he was and not the least mournful or verbose. Title: For Barry Byrnes (poet, lover, seeker and clown). Last lines, "... died down under in his mid thirties without hurting the week. / Earth beneath Brisbane, inherit the meek."
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Originally posted by KewpieDon't tell the Germans.
http://getaway.ninemsn.com.au/fsaustraliavic/gippsland/17633/ninety-mile-beach
Didn't you know? Half a dozen very tiny towns, along 94 miles of undisturbed sand. Leave your footprints today, they'll still be there in a week or maybe a year.
There is a standing joke here and in Britain also
that when you go on holiday, the Germans get up at the
crack of dawn and they get all the best places by the hotel pool
and on the beaches.
Does that joke translate to other parts of the world as well?
Originally posted by johnnylongwoodyThey tried that in June of 1944. You just have to come prepared.
Don't tell the Germans.
There is a standing joke here and in Britain also
that when you go on holiday, the Germans get up at the
crack of dawn and they get all the best places by the hotel pool
and on the beaches.
Does that joke translate to other parts of the world as well?