Pedants United

[Kevin Williamson]

When people say somebody needs to "redouble" their efforts, what does that mean? Is it quadruple or just double, and why not just say that instead?

[Kevin Thurlow]

"When people say somebody needs to "redouble" their efforts, what does that mean? Is it quadruple or just double, and why not just say that instead?"

I assumed it was a reference to bidding in Bridge?

[Paul Habershon]

"When people say somebody needs to "redouble" their efforts, what does that mean? Is it quadruple or just double, and why not just say that instead?"

I assumed it was a reference to bidding in Bridge?

I suppose redoubling efforts is for emphasis, suggesting that efforts have already been doubled and now even more effort is being made. It is probably true that people don't say they double efforts as often as they claim to redouble them.

Bridge bidding is not so simple when doubles/redoubles are used. Basically 'double' can mean 'I don't think you can make that contract so I'm doubling the penalty' followed by 'redouble' meaning 'oh yes I can make it and, not only that, I am going to enjoy an even greater bonus'. However, the bids can have other meanings according to partnership agreement. The most common is probably a 'take out double', showing values and asking partner to bid something. There is also an SOS redouble asking partner to take you out of a doubled contract in the hope of finding safer waters.

'Doubling down' has become fashionable lately, I think, meaning a strengthening of resolve in a course of action. I see this is a blackjack term for increasing the stake - curious that it's not "doubling up'.

Rather intriguing is 'doubling up with laughter' when you are actually bending the body down. I suppose we do say 'curling up'.

[MJMcCready]

Perhaps it did have some credence before the age of computerization.

[MJMcCready]

When people say somebody needs to "redouble" their efforts, what does that mean? Is it quadruple or just double, and why not just say that instead?

Redouble is a tricky word. I can't, for the life of me, understand why redoubtable means an amusing opponent. Something in the etymology must, at least, partially explain that.

[Paul Habershon]

I can't, for the life of me, understand why redoubtable means an amusing opponent. Something in the etymology must, at least, partially explain that.

'Amusing'? Surely not. Redoubtable means formidable, to be feared or respected.

I did not know its etymology, but I see it's from Old French 'redouter' to fear, which in turn is from the Latin 'dubitare' to doubt.

[Andy Stoker]

"I'll have to double check that".... don't bother ... just check it once.

[Paul Habershon]

"I'll have to double check that".... don't bother ... just check it once.

Nice one, Andy. A bit of chess in there too.

At the supermarket till:
'Did you want a bag?'
Unspoken reply:
'No, and I still don't, thank you.'

Important for smug pedants to have some manners.

[Kevin Thurlow]

I was recording a TV quiz show, probably Countdown, and after the microphone was fitted, they wanted to check the sound level. So I said something or other and the man said,
"Could we have a bit more level please?"
"Do you mean you want me to talk more loudly?" (which I said er, more loudly.)
"Yes - that's fine"

[MJMcCready]

I can't, for the life of me, understand why redoubtable means an amusing opponent. Something in the etymology must, at least, partially explain that.

'Amusing'? Surely not. Redoubtable means formidable, to be feared or respected.

I did not know its etymology, but I see it's from Old French 'redouter' to fear, which in turn is from the Latin 'dubitare' to doubt.

Ah, perhaps then, I've been stitched up by the online OED?

[MJMcCready]

Just out of curiosity do you say pet peeve or pet hate, is one expression stronger than the other or are they more or less the same?

[John Clarke]

Just out of curiosity do you say pet peeve or pet hate, is one expression stronger than the other or are they more or less the same?

I'd say pet hate is the stronger - I've always understood peeve to mean a mild annoyance. But the qualifier "pet" to my mind considerably reduces the force of both.

[Mike Alderson]

"It's more than me job's worth". Then why not do it?

[MJMcCready]

Just out of curiosity do you say pet peeve or pet hate, is one expression stronger than the other or are they more or less the same?

I'd say pet hate is the stronger - I've always understood peeve to mean a mild annoyance. But the qualifier "pet" to my mind considerably reduces the force of both.

Okay thanks, they are both strange concepts, something only us in the first world suffer from.

[Kevin Thurlow]

"I'd say pet hate is the stronger - I've always understood peeve to mean a mild annoyance. But the qualifier "pet" to my mind considerably reduces the force of both."

Yes - I agree with that, but maybe the "pet" suggests also, "I don't like this but I would understand if other people disagreed with me".