Porsches, Picasso’s, and Stradivariuses
A Steinway piano is a hand-made marvel, full of intricate detail and workmanship, sought by collectors and valued accordingly.
A true “piece of work,” one might even say.
Ditto such treasures as a Stradivarius violin, a Picasso painting, a Porsche sports car, and a Rolex watch.
So . . . how come calling a person “a piece of work” is almost universally regarded as an insult, not a compliment??
Just asking . . . 🙂
“Isn’t That . . . Precious?”
Interestingly, while five of the seven recognized definitions of the word “precious” are flattering (“financially valuable,” “greatly loved,” etc.), two are decidedly not:
One. Affectedly or excessively delicate, refined, or nice (see, “precious manners”); and
Two. Flagrant; gross (as in, “a precious fool”).
See also, “Why Is Calling Something (or Someone) “Tasteless” an Insult?“; “Which “Done” Did They Mean?“; “The Many Guises of “Hot Dog’“; and “Re-Duded Home.”
