0
Andrei Posted 22 years ago
Grammar

Waifs and strays

He likes waifs and strays.

Does the above mean that he likes the people who are without shelter?
  

Top answer

I would say not exactly. "waif" suggests a homeless child. I don't think most people would describe a bearded old man without shelter as a waif.

— CalifJim

  • I would say not exactly.
  • "waif" suggests a homeless child.
  • I don't think most people would describe a bearded old man without shelter as a waif.
  • "stray" suggests a small animal which is wandering about lost.
  • "Stray" suggests 'out of its proper place' more than 'without shelter'.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
I would say not exactly.
"waif" suggests a homeless child. I don't think most people would describe a bearded old man without shelter as a waif.
"stray" suggests a small animal which is wandering about lost. "Stray" suggests 'out of its proper place' more than 'without shelter'.

I would say it means that he is attracted to what arouses sympathy, compassion, or pity.
0

Related Questions