ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: Boss

nona the brit — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:57:19 GMT

'quickie' is also used to describe a non-sexual 'quick thing'. ...but it needs to be clear what that thing is from the context. If you just use 'quickie' on it's own then no-one will have a clue what you are talking about. It's more of a description than a noun. A slang word really...

Are you going to be working late again tonight? I hear you've got to finish the McPherson report...

No, it's just a quickie. I'll be done by 5.

Re: Boss

Marius Hancu — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:46:16 GMT

It's true, the first connotation is sexual. But one is supposed to keep his cool ... and think of the others ...

Re: Boss

New2grammar — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:55:41 GMT

HHAHHA... Thanks for the joke, Skrej. I think you've confirmed my suspicion that the original sentence isn't natural.

Re: Boss

Skrej — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:51:42 GMT

I think any native speaker (at least in America) is going to interpret quickie as a brief sexual act. Only if there's a clear progression of context can it be used and understood without the sexual connotation.

For instance, somebody might refer to something as having been a quickie (break, nap, task, etc) but even still there's the underlying reference to the sexual definition.

I don't believe I've ever heard or used the term without it referring to the sexual act.

Perhaps this is just another one of those differences in regional usage?

I'll always remember the time our new office clerk (who happened to be British) asked our boss (quite loudly, in the main room, where everybody could hear) if he had anymore 'rubbers' because his old one was broken. She couldn't understand why the entire staff burst out laughing, until the red-faced boss final stammered out "I think you mean eraser".

I had the same reaction when I read N2G's original sentence.

Re: Boss

Clive — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:34:44 GMT

Hi N2G,
It was great, thank you. No, I stayed in Ontario.
Clive

Re: Boss

New2grammar — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:30:50 GMT

Actually, I already looked it up in a dictionary and got about the same definitions. However, it may not fit the context which I provided, which is why I asked ...for naturalness.

Re: Boss

Marius Hancu — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:25:28 GMT

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quick·ie

: something done or made in a hurry: as a (1) : a hurriedly and cheaply produced motion picture or play (2) : a book or other publication hurriedly written and published b : a hurriedly planned and executed program (as of studies) c : a hurried trip or other activity d : a sudden often unauthorized brief strike of workers e : QUICK ONE

http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com

-------------

On the first page of the Merriam-Webster site, if you look at the left
column, you'll notice a way to reach the Merriam-Webster Unabridged,
under "Free Premium Access". You then click on "Start here"; after being
subjected to one rather short commercial, you can then enjoy the wonders
of the Unabridged Merriam-Webster, and see for yourself

Re: Boss

New2grammar — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 04:27:33 GMT

I was told it meant a brief report but I feel the same way that it's quite kinky.

Welcome back, Clive! How was your vacation? You didn't go to Bali, did you? remember?

Re: Boss

Clive — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 04:23:33 GMT

Hi,

I have no idea what this means. What's the context?

The word 'quickie' often has a sexual meaning.

Clive

Boss

New2grammar — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 04:19:37 GMT

<Boss tells an employee> You haven't turned in your quickie for this week.

Is the above natural?
Thanks.