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Latest post Sun, Mar 8 2009 11:03 AM by alex-l19041. 4 replies.
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Anonymous  +  682306 Tue, 03 Mar 09 10:17 AM
 How to debase someone in a polite way ?
Clive  +  682536 Tue, 03 Mar 09 09:49 PM
Hi,
First, please explain a little what you mean by 'debase' someone.

Can you give an example of how you would debase someone?

Clive
Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004
Canada
Veteran Member 29,612
El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo
Anonymous, 263 days ago
 To ruin utterly in character or quality:
Clive  +  683123 Thu, 05 Mar 09 01:24 AM
Hi,
OK.
'Debase' is such a strong verb that it seems a bit odd, almost contradictory,  to talk about it in the context of politeness.

Debasing someone commonly involves actions rather than words.

Let's consider a simple scenario like this.

You are an employee who has a manager who is proud and arrogant.

One day you win the lottery and you buy the company.

The next day, you go to work as the owner, and you give him an order.

'"I would like you to go and clean the toilets, please".

He does it, thus showing himself to be debased.

As you can see, the order was politely worded.

Would you consider this to be debasing him politely?

Best wishes, Clive
alex-l19041, 260 days ago
Thank you very much!
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