Heard on MSNBC

[Herb Stahlke]

Rachel Maddow frequently uses the phrase "the gay" derisively of
people, usually conservative Republicans, who think homosexuality is
an acquired behavior.  This evening Keith Olberman used "the funny" in
a similar way when talking about whether Obama would be humorous at
the Correspondents' Dinner.  Is this use of "the" + adjective a new
pattern?  Obviously "the" + adjective is a common construction that's
been around a long time as in "The difficult is done at once; the
impossible takes a little longer."  It's this derisive or ironic use
of the construction that feels new.

Herb

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