The meaning of "count"

Question

The world still consists of two clearly divided groups: the English and the foreigners. One group consists of less than 50 million people; the other of 3,950 million. The latter group does not really count. ---- George Mikes

I want to know the exact nuance of the word "count" here. Joke intended?

Thank you in advance.

Pieanne · Accepted Answer

I understand it as "doesn't really matter".

Clive · Answer

Hi,

The world still consists of two clearly divided groups: the English and the foreigners. One group consists of less than 50 million people; the other of 3,950 million. The latter group does not really count. ---- George Mikes

I want to know the exact nuance of the word "count" here. Joke intended?

Thank you in advance.

I want to know the exact nuance of the word "count" here. It means the latter group has no importance, no value, it is insignificant.

Joke intended? Yes. The humour lies in two areas. Firstly, the second group is so much bigger that it seems anomalous to say it has no importance. Secondly, the statement is so biased, and so offensive to people who are not English that one must regard the writer as either joking or idiotic.

Best wishes, Clive

YoHf · Answer

Hey, that's my signature you lot are talking of. I'm getting famous!

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The meaning of "count"

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