In this line of thought I like how “tool” is something useful in its primary meaning, but derogatory when used about a person.
Comment on What is a metaphor you like in your language?
RegalPotoo@lemmy.world 2 days ago
In colloquial English, you can say that someone is an idiot with the construction “you absolute [noun]” or “you complete [noun]” or similar.
It doesn’t actually matter what the noun is, but it works better the more obscure or specific the thing is. For example “you absolute saucepan”, “you complete hose pipe”, or my personal favourite “you absolute strawberry plant”.
kamen@lemmy.world 1 day ago
RegalPotoo@lemmy.world 20 hours ago
Sort of, there is a parallel derivation where tool can be an innuendo for penis (“used his tool”), so describing someone as a tool is a slightly less vulgar way of calling someone a dick; unrefined, rude, obnoxious.
kamen@lemmy.world 19 hours ago
Yeah, fair point. Thanks for explaining. Not a native speaker, so I kind of forgot about that.
RegalPotoo@lemmy.world 16 hours ago
No worries - I’m a native, but still had to think about it a bit. English is weird
Deestan@lemmy.world 2 days ago
One of my favorite youtubers Octavius King demonstrates this really well by using “complete and utter desk” as a derogatory term for the worst offenders to intellect.