What's the origin of 'carte blanche'? | | Giving someone carte blanche signifies handing over a significant amount of power. This term has roots going back to the Middle Ages, ceding powers both large and small. | |  | Stewart Edelstein |
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| |  | | W ould you like to be given unrestricted authority to do whatever you like? To get away with this, you may need a permission slip, a get-out-of-jail-free card, or an official document that allows unfettered access to anything you desire.
That's what "carte blanche" means. It translates literally from French as "blank paper," but in legal or business proceedings, it's "a blank document signed in advance by one party to an agreement and given to the other with permission to fill in the conditions." And now the term "carte blanche" has broadened beyond documents to signify giving someone unrestricted authority. |
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Emoji Decoded | |  | | Trade Mark Sign | | | Meaning: Indicates the letters "TM" in superscript, representing a trademark symbol.
Evolution: Originally used in legal and business contexts, the ™️ emoji has taken on a humorous tone. It's often used sarcastically to mock overly serious statements or to playfully claim ownership of ideas, phrases, or personality traits.
Usage: [Facebook post about procrastination:] Putting things off until the last minute™️ - A memoir 📚🕰️ |
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| | Trade Mark Sign | | | Meaning: Indicates the letters "TM" in superscript, representing a trademark symbol.
Evolution: Originally used in legal and business contexts, the ™️ emoji has taken on a humorous tone. It's often used sarcastically to mock overly serious statements or to playfully claim ownership of ideas, phrases, or personality traits.
Usage: [Facebook post about procrastination:] Putting things off until the last minute™️ - A memoir 📚🕰️ |
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Have you read? | |  | | Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism | | By Amanda Montell | | What do social media influencers have in common with cult leaders? Linguist and podcaster Amanda Montell examines how language can create a cult following that feels impossible to leave, whether it's Jonestown or Peloton. "Cultish" assesses the power of everyday words and how they can be used (or weaponized) to manufacture loyalty. This nonfiction book is recommended for true crime fans, word nerds, and anyone who has misused the saying "drink the Kool-Aid." | | | | Samantha Abernethy, Word Smarts Writer | | | | We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. |
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| | Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism | | By Amanda Montell | | What do social media influencers have in common with cult leaders? Linguist and podcaster Amanda Montell examines how language can create a cult following that feels impossible to leave, whether it's Jonestown or Peloton. "Cultish" assesses the power of everyday words and how they can be used (or weaponized) to manufacture loyalty. This nonfiction book is recommended for true crime fans, word nerds, and anyone who has misused the saying "drink the Kool-Aid." | | | | Samantha Abernethy, Word Smarts Writer | | | | We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. |
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