"Holocaust" a dangerous word
Words like "meltdown" or "brain-dead" are sometimes used as a form of emphasis rather than as a literal description of anything. But you cannot use "holocaust" that way in Britain, apparently
Football pundit Tony Cascarino triggered an angry reaction on Twitter on Sunday after he described a player as having a "holocaust" of a game.
Discussing defender Armand Traore's performance on the pitch, Cascarino said: "Poor Traore at right back is having a holocaust because he's finding himself against (United winger) Nani, who's literally running him from everywhere and (Arsenal midfielder Andrey) Arshavin's just not tracking his runners."
Angry fans immediately hit out at his comments on Twitter. One user wrote: "Tony Cascarino should be sacked on the spot. He said an Arsenal defender was having a "holocaust". Appallingly ignorant."
Another micro-blogger branded the comment "horrendous", adding: "I hope Tony Cascarino is dealt with appropriately."
Sky Sports News said presenter Natalie Sawyer had apologised straightaway for Cascarino's remarks. It said in a statement: "Tony Cascarino made his comments in the heat of the moment. An immediate apology on behalf of Tony and Sky Sports was made on air as soon as possible for any offence caused."
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As everybody knows, I am a strong supporter of Israel but I am inclined to see this as just another kneejerk from the perpetually offended.
Technically, "meltdown" "brain-dead", "holocaust" and "kneejerk" are all used as metaphors and metaphors have a distinguished literary history
6 comments:
Jon: I like the term 'perpetually offended'. That aptly describes the whiners in both of today's posts.
Of course "holocaust" is not a word exclusive to one particular manifestation of it (that happened under the Nazi regime), as it "just" means a huge slaughter or destruction of life, of which there have been many examples in history and recent history; but it's become one of those words that's taken on a life of its own, and in this case the user was rather foolish to use it in a different way, and also a rather silly way, but that was his only "offence".
The great thing about Twitter is that it keeps all the mindless idiots who use it in one place, making it much easier to find them.
Social networking is yet another Al Gore invention to facilitate Liberal propaganda and create incidents of bias that are fabricated.
I don't own a cell- phone nor do I belong to facebook, twitter or anyother site for the brainless, egotists and I only use my 8-year old computer to comment on selected genuine websites.
I'm kinda with Anon 1:56.
Holocaust is a legitimate word with a legitimate meaning - only one example of which is a particular event/time involving the Jews and Nazis.
Did anyone go mental because The Princess Bride refers to a 'Holocaust Cloak'?
Why are so many people looking for opportunities to take offense (usually on behalf of other people)?
I agree with others that the word has its legitimate uses and no one should be up in arms about this particular use.. However I dont get the use of the word in this context.. It seems like a stretch to fit this word in where is it, awkward even..
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