Schizophrenic Politics, Schizophrenic Language
It turns out that it’s not just modern American politics that is increasingly schizophrenic.
So is our language.
Exhibit A: the two, diametrically opposite meanings of the statement, “That investigation is going nowhere” (as in, the investigation into Russian collusion in the 2016 Presidential election, and whether Trump obstructed it).
Definition #1: “not making progress.”
For example, “The research is going nowhere.”
Definition #2: “constant in existence or support.”
Examples include:
–“You know you can count on me. I’m not going anywhere” (= I’m here to help and support you).
–“The job is yours when you want it; it’s not going anywhere.”
See what I mean??
See also, “Canadian Quirks: What’s the Opposite of ‘Tabling’ Something? ‘Tabling’ Something.”
