Well I have an linguistic oddity that I just came across when my wife tried to relate to me what happened as she was driving down the freeway.
Background: The check engine light on our car has been on for some time as the O2 filter needs to be replaced and there is a small oil leak. We have tried to deal with both problems 3 times. Finally the mechanic assured us all was well and finished.
Story: In Gmail chat log format:
Tiffany: because the check ingine light went off again Sent at 9:48 AM on Monday me: arg! Tiffany: ? me: the engine light is still on? Sent at 10:07 AM on Monday Tiffany: I think thats because Ray said there is still an oil leak, but wanted to know what the other guys fixed, before he does anything the check engine light went off when we got onto the freeway me: oh? I thought you said it turned on while you were driving Tiffany: It did.....right when we got onto the freeway, the light went off or on me: which one honey? Tiffany: on me: did it go on or off? lol honey you confused me Tiffany: the check engine light went ON after we passed UVSC me: a firework can "go off" a light can't "go off" ;P Sent at 10:11 AM on Monday ----------
I was thinking about it. Can a light when it illuminates be said to, "Go off?" Or must it by neccesity "Go on?"
I am not sure what is right.
Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
Lights go "on", but alarms go "off". The engine light is both.
Posted by Artemisia Tridentata (Member # 8746) on :
In dutch country, I believe they still "make on the light" and "make off the light" when they are through.
Posted by MightyCow (Member # 9253) on :
Going off would be the opposite of what it did.
When it's no longer glowing, it might un-go on?
Posted by Jeesh (Member # 9163) on :
But then unglowing would be turning on...
Posted by BaoQingTian (Member # 8775) on :
Kate hit it the nail the head with one of the more brilliant Hatrack one-liners I've seen.
Posted by cmc (Member # 9549) on :
Um - who's Kate?
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
I think "kmbboots" is Kate, but I could be wrong.
Posted by MightyCow (Member # 9253) on :
If kmbboots is Kate, does that make BlackBlade right off the money?