b3ta.com board
You are not logged in. Login or Signup
Home » Messageboard » XXX » Message 1368022 (Thread)

# Just this morning
I had a brick and dog poo roll. It was lovely. I followed it with a crusty roll in a crusty roll. Then a rat roll.

Marmite is just the exception that proves the rule.
(, Wed 11 Jun 2003, 13:20, archived)
# I've never understood that phrase.
How can an exception prove a rule? Surely the mere existance of an exception causes the whole rule stucture to collapse?

bonkers.
(, Wed 11 Jun 2003, 13:25, archived)
# I've never heard the phrase
an exception proving a rule. An exception TO a rule, now that's a different matter...
(, Wed 11 Jun 2003, 13:26, archived)
# thats because you are thinking of rules
as a linear vector marker in a subcutaneous amalgum spore, instead of an oscillating carrot.
(, Wed 11 Jun 2003, 13:26, archived)
# yep.
I'm always worrying over subcutaneous vector markers instead of wobbly carrots.
(, Wed 11 Jun 2003, 13:28, archived)
# I believe that 'prove' in that expression
means something like 'test'.
(, Wed 11 Jun 2003, 13:28, archived)
# that makes sense then.
Oh the joys of the english language.

I'm just of to prove my dough before baking...
(, Wed 11 Jun 2003, 13:30, archived)
# here you go...
(, Wed 11 Jun 2003, 13:30, archived)
# aah!
From now on I shall use "the exception confirms the rule in the cases not excepted" instead.
(, Wed 11 Jun 2003, 13:36, archived)
# It's the old meaning of Prove:
To test something.

IE - (Orignally) The exception that proves the rule = the exception that tests the rule.

But the meaning of that saying has followed the change in the meaning of "to prove" - which makes no sense really, but we still use it.
/Bryson
(, Wed 11 Jun 2003, 13:30, archived)