0
Jeff_999 Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Hack
When praising words overwhelm Alan Greenspan, Harry Reid, the Senate minority leader, instead said, "I'm not a big Greenspan fan. I think he's one of the biggest political hacks we have in Washington."
Is "hack" here a derogatory term? Or just means someone who is employed, like a hackney? I guess it's a derogatory word, because the article continued,
"His harsh comment was politely overlooked in governing circles, like an off-color joke told at a Washington dinner party."
So, what exactly is "off-color"? Where'd it originate from?
Thank you.
Is "hack" here a derogatory term? Or just means someone who is employed, like a hackney? I guess it's a derogatory word, because the article continued,
"His harsh comment was politely overlooked in governing circles, like an off-color joke told at a Washington dinner party."
So, what exactly is "off-color"? Where'd it originate from?
Thank you.
Top answer
1-- hack : a politician who belongs to a small clique that controls a political party for private rather than public ends. 2-- off-colour : in violation of good taste, even verging on the indecent. I don't know and cannot find the etymology of this idiomatic expression; perhaps it is the obvious: the joke is not of an appropiate 'colour' (cf colour scheme ) for the occasion.
- 1-- hack : a politician who belongs to a small clique that controls a political party for private rather than public ends.
- 2-- off-colour : in violation of good taste, even verging on the indecent.
- I don't know and cannot find the etymology of this idiomatic expression; perhaps it is the obvious: the joke is not of an appropiate 'colour' (cf colour scheme ) for the occasion.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
2 Answers
0
1-- hack: a politician who belongs to a small clique that controls a political party for private rather than public ends.
2-- off-colour: in violation of good taste, even verging on the indecent. I don't know and cannot find the etymology of this idiomatic expression; perhaps it is the obvious: the joke is not of an appropiate 'colour' (cf colour scheme) for
2-- off-colour: in violation of good taste, even verging on the indecent. I don't know and cannot find the etymology of this idiomatic expression; perhaps it is the obvious: the joke is not of an appropiate 'colour' (cf colour scheme) for
00
Related Questions