I heard a phrase from a movie "Captain America: The Winter Soldier". It is "Mobilize Trike Units". In German, ‘trike’ is ‘Dreirad’. I know that ‘trike’ is short for ‘tricycle’. Though, in the movie those Trike Units do look a lot older. No-one has a trike. Is it a kind of joke? Answer There is … Read more
I’ve been watching Mission Hill, and in this episode around 3 minutes and 20 seconds, the bouncer at the club says "Well, bury my heart at Wounded Knee". What does this mean? I’ve looked it up and all I can find is a book with the same title. I’m assuming it’s a sarcastic phrase similar … Read more
When someone responds to something you said with "You do that.", what do they mean exactly? Is this phrase used in a sarcastic way? A couple of dialogue examples would be appreciated. Answer The response "You do that" will always refer back to the other person having announced their intention to do something. It literally … Read more
Pere Tanguy says to Armand about Vincent: Pere Tanguy: He joined his uncle’s art dealership and was thrown out in disgrace. He tried for his father’s profession, the church, but the pastor exams were too hard for him, so he took a job as a lowly missionary. He managed to get sacked even from that. … Read more
In Runaway Jury (2003), a plaintiff attorney, Rohr meets Ranking Fitch, a jury consultant of the defendants, the gun manufacturers: Fitch: Nice suit. very "of the people." Rohr: Yours is nicer. What would you call it, "gun lobby protecting its own"? Swank shoes. Is there any sarcasm in "gun lobby protecting its own"? Answer It … Read more
Is there a technical name for the common form of words whereby we refer to a thing — often a person — having a low level of some property, by saying that it does not have an especially high level of that property? For example: John is not the smartest person in the room. I … Read more
Does B’s reply sound natural in the following dialogue? Here, he is obviously denying he has an invisibility cloak to show he doesn’t believe John has a Cadillac. Are there any constraints on this pattern? Some people say I should begin the main clause with "I am . . . " with this pattern to … Read more
I read a sentence in Word by Word by Kory Stamper which was: The idea that “poor” marks quality whereas “bad” marks morality is truly a peeve beyond all other peeves–a real peever’s peeve. Well done. I want to know what author wants to convey by “well done” in that sentence? I mean we use … Read more
“ha” can be used in a sarcastic way like this: A: When did the first war happen? B: In 1950. A: Wrong. It happened in 1914. B: I know that. A: That’s why you answered it correctly, ha? I thought of “huh” as a synonym to it, but its meaning doesn’t indicate that. I found … Read more
There’s no way any of the other tasks are going to be that dangerous, how could they be?” Ron went on as he carried Pigwidgeon to the window. “You know what? I reckon you could win this tournament, Harry, I’m serious.” Harry knew that Ron was only saying this to make up for his behavior … Read more
