IVIV (11) 167

[Page]

Isn't "beside the point," as "next to the point," an idiomatic expression? 
It is not a metaphor, moribund or otherwise. And, in most cases, it 
certainly isn't literally true.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bekah" <bekah0176 at sbcglobal.net>
To: "alice wellintown" <alicewellintown at gmail.com>
Cc: <pynchon-l at waste.org>
Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 8:19 AM
Subject: Re: IVIV (11) 167


> 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/
>
>
>


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.32/2459 - Release Date: 10/25/09 
19:57:00
-------------- next part --------------

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.32/2459 - Release Date: 10/25/09 19:57:00