Found on the wall at my favorite local BBQ place, this sign lets us know that quotes used to create either emphasis or sarcasm have been with us for a long time.
Now you're on the trolley.
"Banheiro" "quebrado"
8 years ago
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9 comments:
I think these might actually be scare quotes - it's a "sweet shave" because they are Gold'n Honey-brand razors. After some thought it seems to me like these aren't actually inappropriately placed.
I never understand what people mean when they say something is "scare quotes" and therefore justified. I managed to get a BA in english without ever being told what exactly ARE "scare quotes"?
I don't know what "scare quotes" are either, but if you say it three times really fast, it comes out "scarecrows". Just sayin'.
I actually think ceci might have something here which I overlooked at first. Scare quotes are when one uses quotes for purposes other than quoting someone. Using quotes instead of the words "so-called" or "alleged" which is the fun of this blog - to assume people mean that when they don't. In this case, though, as ceci correctly points out, they are meant to indicate a pun. Does this make them "scare quotes?" I'm not sure. However, because they indicate a pun they might be a correct use of quotes - or at least a "correct" use.
^
I'll say it again:
If you have to point out the pun, it's no that good.
I wonder why they're called "scare" quotes, but I agree with Ceci, that the "sweet shave" are appropriate. Just because they are appropriate does not mean they are necessary--I think the pun was cute and didn't need to be pointed out. But then, it wouldn't have been posted, and what would we all have talked about?
I wonder if the quotes would be better placed only around "sweet". For a "sweet" shave...
Another question, though, is what's the deal with shortening "golden" to "gold'n"?! :-)
gosh, i'm just really curious about the specifics of a sweet shave. why does it seem kinda risque?
I too wondered why they're called "scare" quotes so I went to the OED and, while I don't have an answer, I found that one of the obscure meanings for "scare" is "disdain." Perhaps that is a clue to why scare is used in this way.
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