You mean people would like me better if they thought I weren't quite as bright?

No, thanks. I like this arrangement better. My overweening manner is typical of my peers.

>>wren, why don't you come on over and see for yourself (after placing a substantial bet on the outcome, of course)?<<

eeewww.

Robepierre, I guess I just don't understand your point. I have studied and spoken French and Spanish both here, and in countries where they speak the language. I am able to communicate with those native speakers fairly well...I wouldn't say "chase lounge" in France...I would say chaise longue. But in the USA, many a store clerk would wonder what the heck you were speaking about if you told them you would like to look at a chaise longue or lingerie pronounced the correct way. So what does it really matter? Aren't there more important things in life? Is it really that important to you?

R, did you just call yourself arrogant and presumptuous? (Not my words, but Merriam Webster)

Just curious...

BTW, you can only wish that I would come over!

Guy18,

I have no problem recognizing irony. You really must learn to distinguish irony from sarcasm used in defense of an untenable position.

AnthonyGA,

Clearly, you are not the only one on the board who is fluent in French. Methinks your comment is an attempt at oneupmanship toward Robespierre.

wren: typical. Fire a shot over your shoulder as you skitter away.

How in the world can you say "untenable" position?

chaise lounge
One entry found for chaise lounge.


Main Entry: chaise lounge
Pronunciation: 'shAz-'launj, 'chAs-
Function: noun
Etymology: by folk etymology from French chaise longue
: CHAISE LONGUE

Robes' doesn't care that it's in the dictionary. The FOLK part of the folk etymology offends his highbrow sensibilities. He would rather giggle at all of us who say "chaise lounge" than admit that it has made it's made its sordid way into the English language.

I'll agree that "chaise lounge" has become accepted through usage. What I find untenable is to insist that someone who prefers the traditional pronunciation is a pseudo-intellectual.

Dang, I'm glad that all Mensa members aren't that way!

<<You mean people would like me better if they thought I weren't quite as bright?
No, thanks. I like this arrangement better. My overweening manner is typical of my peers.>>

I didn't see anyone accuse Robespierre of being bright but the comment indicates why he is so often deliberately rude.

Wow, T. No wonder you think people are being mean spirited. Once again, you are misreading my comments.

I could care less how Roby pronounces anything!

What offends me is that he mocks and giggles at others that use a perfectly acceptable and correct pronunication.

Have you, by any chance, read the other thread that caused such a stir last week? If so, you will see that I did not enter the fray and many others took offense at R's attitudes and comments. "Pseudo-intellectual" came from someone else - not me. I only used it after R quoted it.

Once again, it is NOT how R chooses to pronounce words and phrases that I find offensive. It is that he MOCKS and GIGGLES (HIS words) others that I find offensive.

You may find both threads interesting reading.

Toupary-prefering the traditional pronunciation is fine. But he looks down on those who don't use it. Which is nearly everyone. Nor does he admit that it's perfectly acceptable in the English language.

From the horse's mouth -

>>> No, I mock people who say "chase lounge" - as if a Mr. Chase might have designed it.<<<

I never said &quot;chase lounge&quot; was unacceptable. I just think it's very downmarket. I think people who use it (and wa-la and <i>lawnzheray</i>...) are laughable. What, I'm going to look UP to them?

Aren't you looking down on ME because of how I am? What's wrong with that? I am who I am, and you are who you are. Do you think you can lead me to the path of righteousness?

Maybe I've informed some people who affect foreign terminology that there are some people who giggle at them. Maybe they don't care. I know I don't.