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Kanjin Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
White Houses
This is my first post here. I hope I am welcomed.
An article of Associated Press says,
" One of most disciplined White Houses in recent memory — things happen on time, officials don't stray off-message — is largely a product of trust, not fear, aides say."
I know "White House" means "chief of staff" in this context, as I read the news, but my point is: Would you use White House for that?
URL:
http://tinyurl.com/5y4t2
An article of Associated Press says,
" One of most disciplined White Houses in recent memory — things happen on time, officials don't stray off-message — is largely a product of trust, not fear, aides say."
I know "White House" means "chief of staff" in this context, as I read the news, but my point is: Would you use White House for that?
URL:
http://tinyurl.com/5y4t2
Top answer
You are indeed welcome to English Forums, Kanjin. Yes, 'White House' used to represent its staff is a common language technique; it is called 'metonymy'. If you google on that word, you should find more examples, like 'Washington' used for the US Government, and 'The Crown' used for the Queen (of England, or wherever).
- You are indeed welcome to English Forums, Kanjin.
- Yes, 'White House' used to represent its staff is a common language technique; it is called 'metonymy'.
- If you google on that word, you should find more examples, like 'Washington' used for the US Government, and 'The Crown' used for the Queen (of England, or wherever).
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6 Answers
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You are indeed welcome to English Forums, Kanjin.
Yes, 'White House' used to represent its staff is a common language technique; it is called 'metonymy'.
If you google on that word, you should find more examples, like 'Washington' used for the US Government, and 'The Crown' used for the Queen (of England, or wherever).
Yes, 'White House' used to represent its staff is a common language technique; it is called 'metonymy'.
If you google on that word, you should find more examples, like 'Washington' used for the US Government, and 'The Crown' used for the Queen (of England, or wherever).
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Thank you, Mister Micawber, for your kind reply.
I accept now White House can mean chief of staff.
Of course, I know now that a language is not rocket science and that it is not always consistent nor logical, but this one is a bit difficult to swallow. It is easy to infer that Washington can be US goverment, the Crown can be the Queen. If we follow this logic, then White House
I accept now White House can mean chief of staff.
Of course, I know now that a language is not rocket science and that it is not always consistent nor logical, but this one is a bit difficult to swallow. It is easy to infer that Washington can be US goverment, the Crown can be the Queen. If we follow this logic, then White House
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And I wasn't reading carefully, Kanjin-- in your quote, I don't think 'White House' means 'chief of staff' but means the entire staff, which in this case is well-disciplined, i.e. well-organized.
Here is a further quote from that news article: ' "Any time a White House gets complimented for running a tight ship ... you have to give the chief of staff credit for that," said Leon Panetta.
Here is a further quote from that news article: ' "Any time a White House gets complimented for running a tight ship ... you have to give the chief of staff credit for that," said Leon Panetta.
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Mister Micawber, I understand it more. It is quite clear by the phrase "this 'White House', the one managed by Andy Card under George Bush."
One more gripe.
The article says in the beginning; ---, making him the longest-serving tenant in his office in nearly a half-century. One of most disciplined White Houses in recent memory---.
Then it writes, as you quoted; "Any time a
One more gripe.
The article says in the beginning; ---, making him the longest-serving tenant in his office in nearly a half-century. One of most disciplined White Houses in recent memory---.
Then it writes, as you quoted; "Any time a
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Yes, the references shift a bit. Below I have pulled all the clauses that include the words 'White House' and placed in brackets after the words what I feel is the reference:
'One of most disciplined White Houses [= White House staffs/organizations] in recent memory — things happen on time, officials don't stray off-message — is largely a product of trust, not fear, aides say.
'One of most disciplined White Houses [= White House staffs/organizations] in recent memory — things happen on time, officials don't stray off-message — is largely a product of trust, not fear, aides say.
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Thank you for the detailed and thorogh explanation.
It has been quite frustrating to find a writer uses words for differnt meanings in the same page, but I understand that it is a way to utilize a word, and he can write his thoughts to a greater extent, htough I don't think I will do it.
Thank you again.
It has been quite frustrating to find a writer uses words for differnt meanings in the same page, but I understand that it is a way to utilize a word, and he can write his thoughts to a greater extent, htough I don't think I will do it.
Thank you again.
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