In the Final Analysis...
I know it doesn’t matter a dam but I’d like to get something
off my chest.
“One of a kind,” is a well used phrase which slightly ruffles my
hackles.
Michael Buble has even written a song with the title and his
interpretation – forgive me if I’m wrong Michael - is that the person he is
singing about is a rare creature who stands alone - is unique, unparalleled.
Kind – one of the
meanings - is a natural group of animals, plants etc.
Ergo one of a kind is one of a group so not unique not
unparalleled.
Just thought I’d mention it and nothing to do with delaying
doing the Christmas decorations etc.
29 comments:
'One of a kind', or 'Sarabatoo', when broken down and used by Urdu speaking inhabitants of the remote village of Perumpillichira, India, relates to a male elder of extreme genital measurements.
But of course, you already knew that Patricia.
Oh dear, I do not know the song or Michael Buble. I do know that I loved it when a stranger said to me my husband was, "One of a kind, a dying breed, they just don't make them like him anymore." Sometimes you just don't want to analysis an expression:)
Chef: that very well may be - and thank you for the titbit - but it doesn't affect my theory.
Granny Annie: Michael is possibly the best singer of his genre since Sinatra. He's Canadian.
The important thing is the stranger was saying something lovely about your loved one - anything else is trivial.
Overheard my stepdaughter talking to my wife the other day saying, "I don't usually listen to him, but I do quite like a bit of Christmas Buble..." :)
Kim::)
He's such a nice, earnest young man and he can sing. Can't dance.
I always take it to mean a person who is singular enough to be called out as special.
Love Michael Buble!
Judy: you and most folks. I'm out on a limb on this but its what I really feel.
Quite right Pat! Standards of Inglish is like abizmle innit.
I hate it when even the BBC say "for free" instead of just "free". "For Free" is a football score.
And things are said to be "decimated" when all but wiped out. It actually means "reduced by 10%" so not quite so horrendous.
And starting sentences with conjunctions. And the habit of academics to begin every sentence with the word "So".
I'd better go now....
Are you aware that the term 'A Feather in Your Cap' is seen as a merit, an achievement worth noting, but it is actually not?
It was first used in 1509 by the Hungarians in bloodthirsty battles. Those who took a life by way of a spear or elongated blade wore a feather in their bonnets.
Nice eh?
Chef: no - I didn't know. I shall try to remember it.
Reg: that's really weird . I have been incensed lately by every interview I have listened to - by people who should know better - answering every question with 'so'.
And what about 'he was sat there.'
And people called Reg!
Rog: please forgive me:)
And the term used a good deal on Ebay (but mostly by Americans Thank Goodness) 'Very unique' The term unique means the only one, and is from the French 'un'; so that the word 'unique' is not quantifiable. I have even heard the expression used at an antique fair 'ever so unique'!
P.s. I think the term 'unique' is now the most misused term in the language, with the possible exception of 'common sense' which is now, I think, very UNCOMMON indeed. Both these terms leave me (as we used to say in the fifties) 'spitting tintacks!'
Mike and Ann; I find it quite helpful to have a moan and a wine occasionally.
There are all words to me and I quite jumble them up all the time.
That is why my blog is more photos that words.
cheers, parsnip
'Forward Planning'! Is that not just 'Planning'?!
I'm having a wine meself, a nice Australian Merlot. Sláinte. :¬)
xxx
There are so many words that are used in an improper manner these days. And phrases, too....PLUS, I have noticed in so very many articles in the NY Times and other places, Typos. There never used to be Typos, anywhere! Now, they are everywhere---and I don't understand it. Another example of how no one cares anymore about being correct in the written word. Do you see that there in the UK too? Or is it just here in the US that no ones gives a sh*t anymore?
I hope you weren't putting off the Christmas decorating!!! I want to see photographic evidence that is it completed. :D
I don't think you can have one of a kind, you need two of a kind to reproduce, so one of a kind wouldn't last long and there would only have ever been one, and that would have gone a long time ago.
(Don't worry I haven't been drinking, you just got me thinking) :D
I've never really thought about it before, as English isn't my strong subject anyway, but yes it makes no sense to be one of a kind.
Apart from the porch all our Christmas decorations are done, thanks to me! Ha. I feel smug now.
Joey: ooooh your Decs are always fabulous. I must pop over soon.
Parsnip: I jumble words, photographs and now names:)
Maurcheen: your bonny wee health.
Nothing personal just a family expression:)
Naomi: we are every bit as bad Naomi over here. Even on the BBC.
Lom: if I've got you thinking my work here is done:)
My ruffles will always be hackled when I hear this phrase in the future.
Thank you, Pat.
Sx
Scarlet: we could start the Ruffled Hackles Club
It's one of those expressions I hadn't really thought much about.
Of course, from now onwards, I won't be able to hear it without also noticing your very good point.
In other news, I hope the decorations are making great progress!
Rashbre: that pleases me greatly:)
I hope to finish the decorations on Monday after the last big cleaning.
American here. Most definitely one of a kind.
Lonely Rivers: I'm not sure if you agree with my interpretation but hopefully you do:)
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