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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary
"How I pity you!"
Hi,
I’ve read that the above expression is used sarcastically or when someone looks down upon the other person. But can it be used between friends, too, when one ironically or jokingly says this to the other (without any antagonistic or seriously contemptuous overtones?)
E.g.
Talking about a party where there were many pretty women:
Man 1: That evening was a nightmare! All the girls wanted to dance with me, I hardly had time for a drink!
Man 2: Oh, how I pity you!
And, if it cannot be used with such a meaning, what other way is there to express this?
Please, could you help me with these? Thanks!
I’ve read that the above expression is used sarcastically or when someone looks down upon the other person. But can it be used between friends, too, when one ironically or jokingly says this to the other (without any antagonistic or seriously contemptuous overtones?)
E.g.
Talking about a party where there were many pretty women:
Man 1: That evening was a nightmare! All the girls wanted to dance with me, I hardly had time for a drink!
Man 2: Oh, how I pity you!
And, if it cannot be used with such a meaning, what other way is there to express this?
Please, could you help me with these? Thanks!
Top answer
" Of course "Man 1" may be speaking from one perspective or another. Most likely, he too is joking, only pretending to complain about a situation which would be pleasing to most men. " If, on the other hand, "Man 1" is speaking sincerely, than he is socially maladjusted, and truly to be pitied.
- " Of course "Man 1" may be speaking from one perspective or another.
- Most likely, he too is joking, only pretending to complain about a situation which would be pleasing to most men.
- " If, on the other hand, "Man 1" is speaking sincerely, than he is socially maladjusted, and truly to be pitied.
- In this case, his friend may react either way.
- He may be disgusted, and criticize the complainer.
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2 Answers
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Anonymous But can it be used between friends, too, when one ironically or jokingly says this to the other (without any antagonistic or seriously contemptuous overtones?)The simple answer is "Yes."
Of course "Man 1" may be speaking from one perspective or another.
Most likely, he too is joking, only pretending to complain about a situa
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