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Komountain Posted 21 years ago
Vocabulary
Pedigree
Would it be insulting if I used the word 'pedigree' for a family tree of people, not of animals?
Top answer
Not insulting, but it might seem a bit jocular. With humans, it normally does not refer to the geneological tree itself, but to the quality of the ancestral background.
- Not insulting, but it might seem a bit jocular.
- With humans, it normally does not refer to the geneological tree itself, but to the quality of the ancestral background.
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2 Answers
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Not insulting, but it might seem a bit jocular. With humans, it normally does not refer to the geneological tree itself, but to the quality of the ancestral background.
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Hello Komountain
I believe that 'a pedigree' originally meant a family tree of the kind you describe.
By extension, it has come to mean 'ancestry'; especially 'distinguished ancestry'.
That said, in BrE at least, it seems to have a faintly humorous air these days. The 'dogs and horses' use is more familiar to most people; and probably tv ads for 'Pedigree Chum', a d
I believe that 'a pedigree' originally meant a family tree of the kind you describe.
By extension, it has come to mean 'ancestry'; especially 'distinguished ancestry'.
That said, in BrE at least, it seems to have a faintly humorous air these days. The 'dogs and horses' use is more familiar to most people; and probably tv ads for 'Pedigree Chum', a d
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