net-net

[Jonathan Lighter]

CNN yesterday:
http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1010/11/sitroom.02.html

"FIORINA: I managed Hewlett-Packard through the technology recession, the
worst in 25 years, the dot-com bust. But, net-net, we created jobs.

. . .

"BLITZER: So, the 30,000 figures who were laid off during -- I guess the
dot-com bust, if you will, I guess that's true, even though you say you
created more jobs than you than you had -- were forced to lay off? Is that
what you're saying?

"FIORINA: Yes. Net-net, we created jobs.

"BLITZER: What does that mean, net-net?

"FIORINA: Well, it means there were more employees working for
Hewlett-Packard the day I left than the day I arrived."

So it means "comparing the later net figure to the earlier."  In other
words, "overall."

A vital element overlooked in the transcript is the impatience in Carly's
voice when she had to explain the meaning of "net-net" to a veteran
journalist.  You mean it isn't obvious??

Anyway, if you say "net-net," other *supposedly* intelligent people will
have to ask you what it means, and that puts you in the vital ascendant.
Gooooaaaaal!!!

JL
--
"If the truth is half as bad as I think it is, you can't handle the truth."

------------------------------------------------------------
The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org