How come ?

Claude · Post by **Claude** » 14 Jan 2017, 21:58

People from Poland are called Poles, right ?

So why are people from Holland not called Holes ?

(Just wondering, that's all)

Post by **HansV** » 14 Jan 2017, 22:05

You missed three letters before it...

Post by **Leif** » 14 Jan 2017, 23:14

HansV wrote:You missed three letters before it...

PotHoles...?

Post by **HansV** » 14 Jan 2017, 23:33

That's actually an excellent suggestion, given the reputation that The Netherlands have, and Amsterdam in particular...

Post by **Leif** » 14 Jan 2017, 23:53

I know

viking33 · Post by **viking33** » 15 Jan 2017, 01:02

Why do they call it a TV set when you only have one?

Cellmate · Post by **Cellmate** » 15 Jan 2017, 21:49

How come the expression "how come" translates to "why?"

(Words are fun!)

Cellmate

ChrisGreaves · Post by **ChrisGreaves** » 16 Jan 2017, 19:28

HansV wrote:That's actually an excellent suggestion, given the reputation that The Netherlands have, and Amsterdam in particular...

I'll thank you not to denigrate Amsterdam.

I spent a VERY plkeasant day there last September, and retain fond memories of the place and the people.

(signed) "cranky" of Toronto.

BobH · Post by **BobH** » 16 Jan 2017, 20:16

Cellmate wrote:How come the expression "how come" translates to "why?"

(Words are fun!)

Cellmate

Why . . . = How does it come to be that . . .

condenses to 'how come . . . '

Cellmate · Post by **Cellmate** » 17 Jan 2017, 18:55

dammit! There I was, trying to enjoy a little weirdness in the language, and you come along and make it all sensible!

Cellmate

stuck · Post by **stuck** » 18 Jan 2017, 08:55

Cellmate wrote:...and you come along and make it all sensible.

"Scuttlebutt - your source for pedantry since 2010*"

Ken
*but a lot earlier if you count previous incarnations of The Lounge

Eileen's Lounge