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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Vocabulary
Brownie points
Is "earning brownie points" a sarcastic remark?
Top answer
It depends on the context. It may be meant genuinely. Sometimes it may be intended to suggest that someone did something cynically in order to gain favour, or to belittle someone's achievements.
- It depends on the context.
- It may be meant genuinely.
- Sometimes it may be intended to suggest that someone did something cynically in order to gain favour, or to belittle someone's achievements.
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3 Answers
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It depends on the context. It may be meant genuinely. Sometimes it may be intended to suggest that someone did something cynically in order to gain favour, or to belittle someone's achievements.
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In the US, this always has mildly derogatory connotations. This phrase would imply that the speaker, in some way, takes a slightly negative view of your efforts.
For example, if someone really likes the way you did something (and by implication, really likes you, personally), he might say: "That was a great job." Or: "Great effort, there, Bob." Or: "Terrific effort, there, Bob."
For example, if someone really likes the way you did something (and by implication, really likes you, personally), he might say: "That was a great job." Or: "Great effort, there, Bob." Or: "Terrific effort, there, Bob."
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AnonymousThe origin of the phrase is from the points Brownies (junior Girl Scouts) earn for doing various projects.I've always assumed this too, and it's what some dictionaries say. However, other places say that the etymology is uncertain; Wikipedia, for example, gives a whole bunch of suggestions.
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