In a message dated 3/28/01 8:28:46 AM, ibracamonte@y... writes:
<< Judy, try: "Clarol's 'brilliant russet flame #01' produces a deep, vibrant color that natural redheads can only envy."
Or: "Ru Paul's custom-made Wunderbra For Men resulted in a decollete that the women of the cast could only envy."
Neither of the above sentences implies that the natural redheads were not, or that the women in the cast had all undergone mastectomies. Both imply that red is red and women have chests, but the subjects of the sentences gave them a run for their money. >>
No, Isabelle, that's not what is being said. Both are claiming a SUPERIOR quality that cannot be achieved through natural means.
I have taught English at the college level, and earn most of my income as a professional writer and editor (in advertising, public relations and journalism). I know whereof I speak.
If you can only envy something--and I think that "only" is the operative word here--it's because you cannot achieve it or possess it.
If you look up envy in the dictionary, you will find something like the following:
"A feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by comtemplation of another's desireable possessions or qualities, with a strong desire to have them for oneself."
Obviously, Clairol isn't saying that there are no natural redheads--they are saying that their color is far better than any naturally occurring shade of red.
Lloyd's statement implies that women were not able to sing with a ringing tone--because he states that they could ONLY envy it. I know that's not what he MEANT to say, but that is the actual meaning of what he wrote.
Judy
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