Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Metaphorical rules

Memorandum to all residents of 44 Hill street:

Please be advised that the snow parking rules will be in full force and effect... (their emphasis added)

I just read this note in my elevator and it reminded me of how much we use physical and spacial metaphors in language and not realize it. Here the enforcement of a parking rule is represented as physical force. It's not actually a matter of force when you think about it but the phrase still makes sense. Although when the landlord wakes you up to move your car he does knock kinda forcefully, haha.

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