English...NOT!

[threaded]

'Bad' is a really fun example of how language changes over the years.

Example might be 'bad man': It used to mean a weak effeminate man. Then changed to a man that was no use. Then a man that was no good. Then to gangster. Then to a strong man. Then a man's man. So now the word can mean quite the opposite of what it did only a few hundred years ago: e.g. what pictures does this sum up in your mind: "That man, he's bad."

[Mich the Tester]

what pictures does this sum up in your mind: "That man, he's bad."

A one dimensional character in a violent American film.

[threaded]

Das verstehe ich nicht.

Reminds me of another good example.

"I understand you not."

Doesn't sound quite right, does it?

Lets convert it to continuous tense play and see what images each construction brings into your mind.

"I am not understanding you."

"I be not understanding you."

"I do not understand you."

"I don't understand you."

[expat]

Reminds me of another good example.

"I understand you not."

Doesn't sound quite right, does it?

Lets convert it to continuous tense play and see what images each construction brings into your mind.

"I am not understanding you."

"I be not understanding you."

"I do not understand you."

"I don't understand you."

Quite so.

Interestingly,

"I understand you not at all"

would be quite acceptable.

[SizeZero]

Nu niet
Nog niet

"I understand you not."

Doesn't sound quite right, does it?

Ik begrijp je/u niet

Sounds perfect in Dutch.

[TheBigYinJames]

what pictures does this sum up in your mind: "That man, he's bad."

Michael Jackson, grabbing his crotch.

[Scary]

Reminds me of another good example.

"I understand you not."

Doesn't sound quite right, does it?

Sounds old fashioned

"Sir I understand you not, for your words are quite incomprehensible."

[Sysman]

Sorry to be picky... but what is "almost" spontaneously combusted?

My bonfire "almost" spontaneously combusted could mean:
a) It combusted after I poured 2 gallons of Diesel on it and then chucked my Zippo on top...
b) Its actually still a pile of wood.....

Its a bit like a qualified absolute...

To compare, "I almost bought a house" means I didn't buy a house.

Therefore, CM didn't spontaneously combust.

(unless Churchy has other evidence)

[Sysman]

what pictures does this sum up in your mind: "That man, he's bad."

It depends on the context. Accent and tone of voice are defining elements here.

[Sysman]

what pictures does this sum up in your mind: "That man, he's bad."

It depends on the context. Accent and tone of voice could be defining elements here. Adding a picture of a rap band could override both.