Monday, April 19, 2010

Trash

Two phrases for contemplation:
1. I am going to empty the trash
2. I am going to take out the trash

Now, to me, these have two different meanings. One means that whatever the trash is in is being taken to the dumpster and returned. The other means the container will be deposited in the receptacle with the trash therein. To one of my dearest friends, they are synonymous. What do you think? Any other weird phrases for this action that you all use?

6 comments:

Vanessa Swenson said...

They used to be completely synonymous phrases. But when we started applying the idea to computers, the phrase empty the trash came to be linked more with technology.
So...yes and no?

Larissa said...

It is just so strange to me. "Empty" to me implies that you have a container that is full and you will now empty that container. Implying you retain the container, not throw it in the trash too. So weird.

Vanessa Swenson said...

I say we blame the British.

Unknown said...

Empty the trash means garbage of which you need to dispose of... Take out the trash means you are taking a prostitute on a date.

completely different. :)

Mena said...

I also though of "take out the trash" as having to do with dating, but it was getting rid of a bad boyfriend! And, naturally, I wouldn't personally do the "taking out" because it's just a tad too messy...

Larissa said...

You guys make me laugh! :-)