Monday, May 12, 2008

Life is so confusing

Why do “overlook” and “oversee” mean the opposite?
Why do “fat chance” and “slim chance” mean the same, isn't it?
Why do “slow down” and “slow up” tell you the same?
Why do “tug” boats push their barges, who's to blame?

Why is a “wise man” and a “wise guy” different?
Why is abbreviated such a long word, you'd lament?
Why do we put suits in garment bags, and garments in a suitcase?
Why is bra singular and panties plural, oh such a disgrace?

Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?
Why is it “after dark” when it really is “after light”, you'd demand?
Why are they called “stands” when they are made for sitting?
Oh why, oh why, is life so confusing?

pearlie

11 comments:

  1. I reason that many of the rules in English should be simplified. As well, some confusion occurs by the fact there is UK, USA, Canada, and Australia English. With my theses I had to watch that I did not use USA English by mistake in places.

    Defence versus Defense

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  2. ;-} I don't know why but I'm glad I'm not alone on the path.

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  3. I love these! One of my favorites is: Why do we park in the drive way and drive on the parkway.
    Susan

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  4. Russ,
    I am always confused between center and centre - while I try to maintain the UK one, I don't know which is which.

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  5. Milly,
    Life is indeed confusing -- too many things to figure out :) but we are not alone

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  6. Hi Susan,
    That is a good one -- I wanted to add this one about shipment and cargo but forgot how it went, something about shipment by road and cargo by sea.

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