Date:  Sun, 9 Oct 1994 15:57:21 GMT

From:  "Warren A. Brewer" <NCUT054[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]TWNMOE10.BITNET>

Subject: Antilogies



RE: I don't care to ("I don't mind")



Isadore of Seville might've called this antiphrasis. His neatest

example is "Canis a non canendo," a dog is called CANIS because

it can't sing (CANERE).



Cf. other Isodorean possibilities:



Literally: I literally busted a gut laughing (because it was really

   only figuratively).



Rush-hour traffic: Because nobody can rush anywhere.



Humane Society: Because they could care less about humans.



They could care less: Because they couldn't.



That's okay: Because it's not okay.



Antilogies: Borrow me your book (= loan); What are you inferring

   (= implying)?



Polarity switching:

   There was no love lost between us. (We loved each other

     completely --> We loathed each other.)

   I am willing to work more, if not thrilled at the prospect.

     (I am thrilled ~ I am not thrilled)

   You lucked out. (You're out of luck --> You're lucky.)

   Bad means good. War means peace. If a woman says no...