Anonymous  +  522120 Mon, 02 Jun 08 06:25 PM Hey,        Was answering a post on some other forums with the phrase "No Comment". While ready to post, I realised that by saying this, I was in fact making a comment and so making my statement completly untrue! What I want to know is, "What is the word or phrase that explains this situation in the english langauge?". Where the word or phrase contradicts the statement. Anonymous

	Grammar Geek  +  522135 Mon, 02 Jun 08 07:26 PM Although you see people saying "no comment" to the media on fictional tv shows and movies, in fact, no real public relations person worth their salt would ever say that. Obviously, it doesn't mean "I will not utter a sound" but rather "I can't reply in any substantive way, so I will not answer your question." In forums, it tends to be used sarcastically. If you say "no comment" your real message is "You're full of ... [bad word not typed]." It's actually full of meaning when used that way.   Grammar Geek Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006 Veteran Member 19,506 Barbara, who answers in American English. My housekeeping skills attest to the truth of the second law of thermodynamics: Left to themselves, things get more and more random!

	Grammar Geek  +  522210 Mon, 02 Jun 08 11:43 PM I guess it's a paradox. Like "I never tell the truth." Grammar Geek

	Avangi  +  522214 Tue, 03 Jun 08 12:19 AM I won't dignify that with a reply.  (unworthy of comment)   -   another variation Avangi Joined on Mon, Nov 19 2007 Veteran Member 7,960 ". . . le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile." - Henri de Regnier