Re: The Illuminating Question

[Rahel Bailie <rbailie -at- CASTLETON -dot- COM>]

 It is sometimes stated as "flip off the light." Unfortunately, in some
U.S.
 regions, the phrase to "flip off" means to display the middle finger in
an
 insulting fashion. Thus, the instruction "flip off the light" has
prompted
 some individuals to attempt to insult the lamp in question. This action
 typically has no effect.
  >>
I hope that your tongue isn't in your cheek, I would suggest that "flip
off"
is jargon in any language.  The O.E.D. suggests that this is similar to
flicking, but I've never seen anyone actually flick off a switch.  I've
worked
with many engineers who, over many, many years state, "but we always say
that"
and, personally, I always say, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn".

While this may be a light-hearted [NPI] example, the language
peculiarities in places like Quebec, where English  ends up being
adapted for bilingual use, is a perfect example. A light is "closed" or
"shut" (more closely resembling the French equivalent (fermez les
lumiares). It's been 6 years out of Quebec after a 20-year stint there,
and while I catch myself before saying or writing "shoot it out" (i.e.
throw it [in the trash]), I still have to think twice before deciding
agsint "closing the cupboard" (shutting the closet door) or "open and
close the lights".

-------------------------------------------------
Rahel A. Bailie, Senior Technical Writer
Castleton Network Systems Corporation
Tel 604-293-0039 (5432) / Fax 604-293-0047
http://www.castleton.com