Re: [OT: Elfquest]
On Tue, Aug 12, 2003 at 01:43:39PM -0400, ScruLoose wrote:
> On Tue, Aug 12, 2003 at 07:07:00PM +0200, David Fokkema wrote:
> > Ah, of course... This reminds me of a line in a children's song: 'wie
> > zoet is krijgt lekkers' meaning 'those who are sweet will receive
> > candy/cookies/whatever' (I don't know the word in english which
> > describes the whole range of candy/cookies/etc.). In this context,
> > 'zoet' also means 'good'. I could've known, ;-)
>
> Ironically enough, the word is 'sweets'. ('Treats' is synonymous, but
> much less ironic in this context).
'Treats', I'll remember that one, thanks.
> > > Ahh, the quirks of languages!
> >
> > Indeed, ;-)!
> > I never looked at it this way, but 'zoet water' historically could mean
> > 'good water' as opposed to salt water, which you can't drink or grow
> > crops with.
>
> True enough. It could certainly still be referring to the taste,
> though. The taste of good, clean water is definitely sweet as in
> good; and could almost be described as sweet in the literal sense when
> compared to salt water, marsh water, etc.
<taking a sip of salted water> <swallowing it with some difficulties>
<taking a sip of fresh water> Yes, indeed! Funny (and lucky) my taste
buds for 'bitterness' didn't kick in.
> > Thanks for enlightening me
>
> My pleasure. I love the subtleties of language (and any excuse to
> discuss the subject!)
Pleased to have given you an excuse,
David
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