3 ms·
Can you explain how that is an 'oxymoron'? because I'm having trouble squaring the intended meaning with the dictionary definition.
by MichaelZuo 3y ago
Can you explain how that is an 'oxymoron'? because I'm having trouble squaring the intended meaning with the dictionary definition.
- kubb 3y agoPoor is an expression of compassion, and sucker is dismissive. They're contradictory.
- MichaelZuo 3y ago'Poor' is not usually considered an expression of 'compassion' in most contexts, certainly not on HN. Are you learning English? If so, it's best to follow the dictionary meaning and examples. For example, when HN users write 'poor engineer', 'poor dev', 'poor software', 'poor working environment', 'poor commute', etc... they most likely don't intend to attach any connotation of compassion. I think most readers will interpret 'poor suckers' literally as in 'suckers' who are lacking wealth/income/means/etc...