When what’s said isn’t what’s meant

I am writing this column from London, where I am holidaying over Christmas and New Year.

- Karan Thapar

Britain is a country I love and greatly admire. Something that never ceases to fascinate me is their language and how they use it. If you are not British — or haven't lived here for a long time — you would be perplexed. Often, things don't mean what they seem to suggest. It can even be the opposite.

A delightful article in The Times illustrates how tortured courtesies can mask real meaning. Let me give you a few examples.

“Sounds fun. I'll let you know.” Normally, you might think the speaker is about to say yes. Actually, that is far from it. In translation, what has been said is that the speaker has no intention of coming. Or consider this: “I'm sure it’s just me.” Now, that would appear as if the speaker is accepting blame or responsibility. Not in the least. It means this is entirely your fault, but the speaker is striving to put it politely.