I was reading the "what is the word…" for to remain silent, when I came across brynbaker’s affirmation: "I don’t drink" meaning I don’t drink alcohol. This expression is quite common in several languages, but IMO sounds silly, because we all drink some liquid to stay alive (at least water).

Similarly, it pushes my buttons that the word diet has come to mean ‘a restricted intake of calories’... When it really means ‘your daily intake of food’!

Part of the problem with diet is that the word was not commonly used before weight loss became an issue.  Originally, doctors would tell their patients that they were prescribing a strict, or regimented, diet.  The word soon entered common speech, but only in reference to the regimented form (as opposed to practiced gluttony, which is still a diet!!!), so folks naturally tended to think of diet with a change in regular eating habits.  Lexical laziness took over, until diet now refers to anything less fattening.

I do drink.  ;)

I just new there’d be a literalist reading my post.

As i typed, I paused. Add ‘alcohol’? - too precise, surely everyone knows. Omit it? Perhaps its not clear if UK English if not your first language. Ah well.

"You don’t drink?" enquired Bill Oddy, "You must get very thirsty!"

I have a friend that proudly literalises every communication. He shows remarkable restraint when passing the sign "Wet Paint"

Bryn

Does he "Void Where Prohibited"?

[quote author=brynbaker link=board=idiom;num=1043981114;start=0#3 date=01/31/03 at 07:24:31]I just new there’d be a literalist reading my post.

As i typed, I paused. Add ‘alcohol’? - too precise, surely everyone knows. Omit it? Perhaps its not clear if UK English if not your first language. Ah well.

"You don’t drink?" enquired Bill Oddy, "You must get very thirsty!"

I have a friend that proudly literalises every communication. He shows remarkable restraint when passing the sign "Wet Paint"

Bryn

Hi Bryn,

Your post just reminded me of the issue, which occurs in several languages, not only English. I use all the time idioms that do not support literal interpretation. I just don’t use "I don’t drink" because, well, I do drink and enjoy good wines and beers.

[quote author=brynbaker link=board=idiom;num=1043981114;start=0#3 date=01/31/03 at 07:24:31] . . .
I have a friend that proudly literalises every communication. He shows remarkable restraint when passing the sign "Wet Paint"

Bryn

That’s a sign that proves my Beagle can read. . .

Does anyone pronounce paint with short vowels to rhyme with went? If so we could link to the spoonerisms with ‘pet went’.

Bryn

Well, that’s one meaning.  

The Diet of Worms was called by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (King Charles I of Spain), in part to give Martin Luther a chance to recant his heresy.

Under the theory that "You’re either with us or agin us" Charles V issued the  Edict of Worms against Martin Luther.

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A BBC News story gives a literal meaning to diet of worms.

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There is also a band and a recording studi named Diet of Worms.

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The Japanese Diet involves more than sushi and sashimi.