Re: [tied] RE: idée fixe

----- Original Message -----
From: "george knysh" <gknysh@...>
To: <cybalist@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, June 09, 2008 10:18 AM
Subject: Re: [tied] RE: idée fixe




--- On Mon, 6/9/08, Patrick Ryan <proto-language@...> wrote:

From: Patrick Ryan <proto-language@...>
Subject: [tied] RE: idée fixe
To: "CYBALIST" <cybalist@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Monday, June 9, 2008, 4:09 PM






It has been interesting seeing how list-members variously interpret idée
fixe.

Of course, the word is French, and has passed into probably every European
language with a slightly different nuance.

I can assure you all, however, that accusing someone of an idée fixe is used
to native English speakers to designate someone mentally deranged:

http://education. yahoo.com/ reference/ dictionary/ entry/idee+ fixe

It means not just a fixed idea but an idea held against evidence against it
or with complete lack of evidence.

Therefore, it is an aspersion against the person who holds it.

A strongly held idea is simply a conviction.

Patrick
****GK: This is just your view what "idee fixe" means in English. Not
everyone shares it. You're beginning to have an "idee fixe" about the
meaning of "idee fixe" (:=))) . Relax.****


***

Patrick:

AHD says "obsession".

To be accused of being obsessive is an insult, at least in my English.


***