Right. This is called the “use-mention distinction.” For example, milk is a tasty treat, but “milk” is a cognate of the German word “Milch.” The former instance the word is use, while the latter is mention.
Strangely enough, if anyone has any questions about this, I could probably talk for four days straight about possible applications.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:52:25 pm
I think the quotations just indicate that it’s their slogan. For example, Bud light: “Great taste, less filling.”
October 24th, 2007 at 11:03:38 pm
Actually, I asked my friend Dr. Google and he said “no.”
October 24th, 2007 at 11:26:20 pm
Condor’s on to something here. When words are placed in quotes, the person writing them is no longer personally representing the truth of those words.
So if they’re ever sued for the milk not being fresh, they can honestly say that they didn’t say that it was, but just quoted someone else saying it.
“It all depends on what your definition of ‘is’ is.”
October 24th, 2007 at 11:52:32 pm
Right. This is called the “use-mention distinction.” For example, milk is a tasty treat, but “milk” is a cognate of the German word “Milch.” The former instance the word is use, while the latter is mention.
Strangely enough, if anyone has any questions about this, I could probably talk for four days straight about possible applications.
There’s a funny play on this distinction here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEQOvyGbBtY
October 25th, 2007 at 11:14:41 am
I wouldn’t drink that milk.
October 25th, 2007 at 2:28:04 pm
Nutrish milk - filled with much needed ruffage and essential inks.
October 25th, 2007 at 6:18:35 pm
I prefer my milk slightly spoiled, with a hint of nutmeg. What a silly description, eh?