a preponderance of punctuation marks (reedrover) wrote,
a preponderance of punctuation marks
reedrover

sexism vs. compliments

We had a conversation at the party on Saturday night about how to compliment someone's outfit (usually at work) without sounding sexist, implying that s/he usually didn't look so good, or falling into any other pitfalls of human interaction. The crux of the issue came down to:

"I like that outfit on you." To me, this gives credit to the person. Basically, the structure of the sentence implies that anything (paper bag, polka dots) could look good on you.

"You look good in that outfit." To me, this gives credit to the outfit. Basically, the structure of the sentence implies that you only look good because of that outfit.

Thoughts?
Tags: communication, language&grammar
Subscribe

  • wildlife and farm life update; Ivan-goat is a daddy of twin girls

    The goldfish survived the winter. I spotted both of them swimming in the pond this morning. Also, something went "blorp" so the frogs might already…

  • Cats needing homes

    As mentioned previously and by others, Tamnonlinear's six cats need new homes. I am happy to help with transportation if anyone outside of MD is…

  • Barred owl over the driveway

    A few nights ago, Achaosofkittens captured some blurry photos of the big barred owl that has been lurking over the driveway. It is a big sucker, so…

  • Post a new comment

    Error

    switch
    default userpic

    Your reply will be screened

    Your IP address will be recorded 

    When you submit the form an invisible reCAPTCHA check will be performed.
    You must follow the Privacy Policy and Google Terms of use.
    Help
  • 16 comments

  • wildlife and farm life update; Ivan-goat is a daddy of twin girls

    The goldfish survived the winter. I spotted both of them swimming in the pond this morning. Also, something went "blorp" so the frogs might already…

  • Cats needing homes

    As mentioned previously and by others, Tamnonlinear's six cats need new homes. I am happy to help with transportation if anyone outside of MD is…

  • Barred owl over the driveway

    A few nights ago, Achaosofkittens captured some blurry photos of the big barred owl that has been lurking over the driveway. It is a big sucker, so…