The Color of English

If you're looking for "color" to brighten your outlook, you'd easily find it all over the landscape of the English language . This is especially true when you look at metaphors.

For example, "White Elephant" brings up a gigantic image in my head. Those who are familiar with this metaphorical animal know that it refers to an unwanted or useless object. So, if I have a zoo-ful of white elephants, I have a collection of useless or undesirable things.

"Pink", on the other hand, is a color usually associated with something adorable - a baby girl (at least in many Western countries). But, when "pink" is attached to the word "Slip", and it's handed to you, you got something truly dreadful. It means you've just joined the ranks of the unemployed. Which could cause you to be clobbered by a "Blue Funk", which is a lousy state of depression.

Another colorful, but certainly undesirable direct effect of a pink slip is "Red Ink", which signifies indebtedness or a negative financial condition. And, while I'm trying to get a new job, the toll on my nerves could very well transform me into a "White Knuckler", meaning a tense and nervous person. But, who can blame me? Let's hope I'm not on some "Black List",  that might prevent me from being considered for a new job.

In recent years "Black Friday" has emerged as a huge commercial event that takes place the day immediately following Thanksgiving Day in the US. It's one event that provides a short and popular opportunity for American consumers to use their credit cards to the max in pursuit of irresistible "bargains". Good thing that it takes about three weeks before they get their credit card bills. Otherwise, the Monday that follows "Black Friday" would certainly be a "Blue Monday".

@

if you follow me on twitter. "i'll tweet about once a day —
rather short in words, but long in thought":
@oneminutepundit