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Where does poison come into this? Is "poison pen" just the nickname for this writer?
by LoganDark 3y ago
Where does poison come into this? Is "poison pen" just the nickname for this writer?
- avidiax 3y agoI think it's a metalepsis [0] on "poison tongue" which is a Biblical reference for slander/libel: Quoth the ChatGPT: > The term “poison tongue” is often used to describe someone who speaks in a way that is hurtful, malicious, or deceitful. It is a metaphorical expression that refers to the power of words to cause harm and pain. The Bible, in James 3:8, describes the tongue as “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” [1]. The phrase “poison tongue” can also be used to describe someone who is critical or judgmental of others [2]. > In modern usage, the term “poison tongue” is often associated with gossip and slander. It can refer to someone who spreads rumors or speaks ill of others behind their backs [3]. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metalepsis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metalepsis [1] https://www.bibleref.com/James/3/James-3-8.html https://www.bibleref.com/James/3/James-3-8.html [2] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poison#:~:text=a%20poison%20plant-,a%20poison%20tongue,-2 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poison#:~:text=a%... [3] https://www.gotquestions.org/the-tongue-is-a-fire.html https://www.gotquestions.org/the-tongue-is-a-fire.html
- morelisp 3y agoIt is a common term for this style of letter. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison_pen_letter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison_pen_letter
- LoganDark 3y agoInteresting, thanks. I have to admit though, I'm relatively disappointed there was no conspiracy about using poison as ink so someone would die upon handling the letter...