Carnal Reason

The same words in American English and Australian English sometimes don’t mean the same thing. Consider this gem, from The Daily Telegraph:

IN these violent times, Um Ahmed takes steps to ensure her safety, strapping on a suicide belt before going to bed at night.

The mother-of-eight is one of a group of 20 women who, according to the local al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades commander, is prepared to die for her cause, should there be an unexpected Israeli assault on Abasa, near the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis.

In American usage, strapping on a suicide belt is not considered a method of ensuring one’s safety. It is considered a way of getting killed. In Australian English, strapping on a suicide belt seems to mean something else.

On a different note, I have to wonder about the gratuitous display of eyeball in the picture. As a man, I know men get all hot and bothered by the sensuously exposed pupil, and the provocative dance of the lashes. Mirrored sunglasses would totally fix the problem, and give that drab outfit a cutting edge modesty+Terminator look.

Hat tip, Tim Blair

Posted on July 7th, 2006 by pwyll
Filed under: culture