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Hrsanei Posted 12 years ago
Vocabulary

Is the Pope catholic?

Hi,
I have heard people use this expression to express "Yes" but in two different connotations.

1. Your questions is stupid because you already know the answer is Yes.
Ex. A. Do you want me to return all the money I borrowed? B. Is the Pope catholic?

2. Definitely Yes; emphatic way of saying yes.
Ex. Would you like to go for a coffee? B. Is the Pope catholic?

First, do you use it oftentimes? second, what is your impression of that phrase? The first connotation or the second?
Thank you
Hamid
  

Top answer

I don't really see the differences in your examples. I would use the phrase in either. " [ Note that I don't capitalize the title unless the name goes with it.

— Philip

  • I don't really see the differences in your examples.
  • I would use the phrase in either.
  • " [ Note that I don't capitalize the title unless the name goes with it.
  • "
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4 Answers
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I don't really see the differences in your examples. I would use the phrase in either. Yes, I use the phrase quite often, sometimes saying, "Does the pope go to church?" [ Note that I don't capitalize the title unless the name goes with it. ]
I also say something like, "Does the bear **** in the woods?"
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I've said "Is the Pope a Catholic?" when the answer is unequivocally "yes". But it is always in a spirit of fun.
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This is typically used as a response to some pithy question about interpersonal relationships, not about mere things, and meaning: "Of course ____ ." Some examples:

A and his girlfriend have been inseparable. Then people notice a belly bulge on the normally thin girl.

B: Hey, did you see A's girlfriend? Is she pregnant?

C: Is the Pope ...

The boss
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Thank you AS and Philip for your input.
Hamid
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