You may have heard the term loophole being used in the news recently related to taxes or gun control. A loophole is an error in a policy or law in which someone can gain advantage for himself or herself, as in tax loopholes which allow people to avoid paying taxes. In gun control discussions, apparently gun buyers do not need a background check if they buy a firearm at a gun show instead of from a dealer. This is also considered a loophole. The word loophole is actually derived from a phrase from the 15th century meaning to look through a hole in a wall as if it were a window. Later the term came to indicate a hole in a wall used to escape from the building. The word loop in this case has nothing to do with a loop in a rope or string. Historically it is related to the French word loupe meaning “magnifying glass.”
Example: Some American corporations take advantage of a business law loophole which allows them to have their headquarters in other countries so that they do not have to pay business taxes.
The idea of a frame is also derived from our experiences with buildings or houses. A frame is a wooden structure used in the construction of a house. However, we also use the word to indicate something that supports a picture, as in a picture frame. The word frame has been used metaphorically for many years as in frame of mind or frame of reference. In politics, to talk about something in a way that supports your opinions or agenda may also be called framing.
Example: A skilled politician will frame the argument of raising taxes as a way of providing more services to American citizens.
Next time: What is the name of a popular TV news show named after a sports metaphor? What is one named after a preposition?
I really like this post! Thanks for writing!
Andy,
It is great good fun to read your blog posts! Have you ever read The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way by Bill Bryson?
I look forward to reading future blogs!
Susan
Hi Susan! Thanks for checking out the blog. I have not read Bill Bryson’s book. I have heard that he is a great writer. However, his book on the history of English does not get good reviews from linguists :(. I will have to read it myself to see what he says. I am hoping this blog helps people understand how English works in every day speech, and how we talk about politics.
Do you know if Spanish has similar metaphors? I should talk to you and Jeff Adams about this some time. I have not been able to do any cross-cultural research on this topic. That would be another interesting research project. Thanks for subscribing to the blog!