4 ms·
Why are expensive things described as cool?
by coldcode 11y ago
Why are expensive things described as cool?
- stevesearer 11y agoIt seems to be Antiphrasis: 'The use of a word or phrase in a sense contrary to its normal meaning for ironic or humorous effect' [1] A common example I was able to find used cool with reference to hot temperatures, "it was a cool 110 degrees outside". Perhaps writers extended the use of cool from high temperatures to towards high dollar amounts as well to achieve a similar effect? Maybe 'A cool $20k' sounds better than 'An inexpensive $20k'? Though 'a mere $20k' would be another option which also sounds nice. [1] http://www.thefreedictionary.com/antiphrasis http://www.thefreedictionary.com/antiphrasis [2] http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/81689/what-is-the-correct-term-for-this-juxtaposition-of-words http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/81689/what-is-the...
- dpark 11y agoIt provides emphasis. It's been used for centuries (literally). http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=cool http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=cool > Applied since 1728 to large sums of money to give emphasis to amount... Also used in Great Expectations. http://literature.org/authors/dickens-charles/great-expectations/chapter-57.html http://literature.org/authors/dickens-charles/great-expectat... > leaving a cool four thousand to Mr Matthew Pocket