(fairly) new (but unlisted) "benefits"

Jesse Sheidlower jester at PANIX.COM
Fri Aug 5 15:31:25 UTC 2011


On Fri, Aug 05, 2011 at 11:28:28AM -0400, Joel S. Berson wrote:
> At 8/5/2011 11:02 AM, Laurence Horn wrote:
> >> But in context this looks like it means 'committed romantic/sexual
> >> partner who is also a close friend', i.e. emphasizing the fact that the
> >> advertiser is looking for someone who will be not only a lover but also
> >> a close friend. She's not just looking for a friend to sleep with on
> >> occasion.
> >>
> >That seems to be the case in the Morissette song as well, FWIW.
>
> I was just about to ask about that, from my casual glance at the
> lyrics earlier in this message chain.

Yes, I agree. The Morissette song doesn't use the expression in what I
regard as the 'main' sense.

Jesse Sheidlower
OED

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