IVIV (11) 167

[Bekah]

As far as I know,  Californians say  "beside the point"  which could  
mean either next to the point,  or other than the point.

Just my o,  living here and all,  the word beside seems to mean next  
to while besides seems to mean other than.   "The pen is beside the  
book."

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/besides

Main Entry: 1be·sides
Pronunciation: \bi-ˈsīdz, bē-\
Function: preposition
Date: 14th century
1 : other than, except <no one besides us>
2 : together with <a decision that, besides being practical, is  
morally right>

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beside

Main Entry: 1be·side
Pronunciation: \bi-ˈsīd, bē-\
Function: preposition
Etymology: Middle English, adverb & preposition, from Old English be  
sīdan at or to the side, frombe at (from bī) + sīdan, dative &  
accusative of sīde side — more at by
Date: 13th century
1 a : by the side of <walk beside me> b : in comparison with c : on a  
par with
2 : besides
3 : not relevant to <beside the point>
— beside oneself : in a state of extreme excitement


Bekah

On Oct 25, 2009, at 6:38 AM, alice wellintown wrote:

> Pynchon sez, "Besides the point." Not sure what Californians say, but
> Lawn Guy Landers like P say, "Besides the point."

http://web.mac.com/bekker2/