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Figaro rips the innards out of things people say and reveals the rhetorical tricks and pratfalls. For terms and definitions, click here.
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Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 09:01AM
Quote: "If I'm an international menace like the [prosecuting] attorney is suggesting, then fine. I'll just stay here." Australian actor Russell Crowe, in an interview with the Associated Press
Figure of Speech: charientismus (chah ren TIS muss), the figure of graceful mockery
New York state prosecutors charged Crowe with felony assault after he threw a cell phone at a hotel concierge. His lawyers are trying to reduce the rap to a misdemeanor, a deal that would still make it hard for Crowe to work in this country.
The pugilistic actor defends himself with a charientismus, an ironically graceful response to an accusation. Maybe his phone manners are improving.
Snappy Answer: "Too bad. The Yankees could use a pitcher."
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