Einsteins

[Joel S. Berson]

At 4/9/2011 03:39 PM, Laurence Horn wrote:
>>UD claims its "satyrical" (which would be covered by the "iron."
>>above), but it's awfully restrictive. In my experience this is true
>>when a direct address, but not ironic/satyrical at least some of the
>>time when used in 3rd person. Note, in particular, that it applies to
>>skills and skill sets, not just "genius" of theoretical or book
>>knowledge.
>>
>>Maybe I'm just splitting hairs.
>
>It may also be worth noting that "Einstein" is used a lot in what is
>sometimes (e.g. in Gregory Ward's publications on the construction)
>called negative epitomization:  "He's (She's, You're, ...) no
>Einstein".  Here, "Einstein" itself isn't being satyrically, although
>the whole negative statement (while true) often functions as a
>litotes or ironic understatement.

No wonder -- I don't see Einsteins as being very lustful.

Joel

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