<<I still think Elian belongs with his father.>> I do to
I looked up, but I don't see any pigs flying. Is it April 1?
When debating one sometimes assumes roles one would not normally take.
When one operates in a way that includes assuming roles, one should not be surprised or offended when one is misunderstood.
To your supreme credit the worst thing I ever heard you call someone was a "contrarian".
Actually, I used the word "contrary," which has greater insult value. I was feeling a bit cranky myself that day. As I now review the definition, I should have said perverse, instead.
Main Entry: 2con·trary
Pronunciation: 'kän-"trer-E, 4 often k&n-'trer-E
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English contrarie, from Middle French contraire, from Latin contrarius, from contra opposite
Date: 14th century
1 : being so different as to be at opposite extremes : OPPOSITE <come to the contrary conclusion> <went off in contrary directions>; also : being opposite to or in conflict with each other <contrary viewpoints>
2 : being not in conformity with what is usual or expected <actions contrary to company policy> <contrary evidence>
3 : UNFAVORABLE -- used of wind or weather
4 : temperamentally unwilling to accept control or advice
- con·trari·ly /-"trer-&-lE, -'trer-/ adverb
- con·trari·ness /-"trer-E-n&s, -'trer-/ noun
synonyms CONTRARY, PERVERSE, RESTIVE, BALKY, WAYWARD mean inclined to resist authority or control. CONTRARY implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice <a contrary child>. PERVERSE may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal <a perverse, intractable critic>. RESTIVE suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders <tired soldiers growing restive>. BALKY suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action <a balky witness>. WAYWARD suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior <a school for wayward youths>. synonym see in addition OPPOSITE |
