"ese" suffix insulting/racist?

RonButters at AOL.COM RonButters at AOL.COM
Tue Apr 8 19:02:30 UTC 2003


Did anyone mention the fact that Milton used the term "Piemontese" in a
sonnet (1655) that decries the massacre of some Italian protestants by
"bloody Piemontese, that roll'd / Mother with infant down the rocks."

Clearly, Milton didn't think much of these folks whom he -esed. Don't know,
though, if he'd have written "Piemonters" if he'd liked them.



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