In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, Thierry
Godefroy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes
>On Jeudi 28 Juin 2001 23:42, Tony Firshman wrote:
>
>> On Thu, 28 Jun 2001 at 21:16:18, you wrote:
>>
>> >"C'est l'exception qui confirme la r�gle"
>> >
>> >
>> >(which I will risk to try to translate into: "This is the exception
>> >which confirms the rule")
>>
>> "The exception proves the rule"
>
>I knew it was risky... ;-)
In actual fact the word 'exception' as used in the context of this
saying originally meant the opposite of what it does today. Therefore
the expression means that an example taken from a a list will confirm
the premise and not the meaning held today that an example which
contradicts a rule will confirm it. A concept which is plainly stupid.
This is a good example of English meaning changing over the years and
people being too happy to parrot a meaningless phrase rather than apply
any thought. The original translation was closest.
--
Roy Wood
Q Branch
20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex BN41 2LB
Tel : +44(0)1273-386030 / Mobile : +44 (0) 7836-745501
Fax +44 (0)1273-381577
web site : http://www.qbranch.demon.co.uk/
