Pink Floyd

[notb665]

"We don't need no education".

Well, yes you do, because you've just used a double negative. However to say "not uncommon" is perfectly acceptable.

What is wrong with Pink Floyd's statement? Why are some double negatives ok while others are not?

 

[keyplayer]

"We don't need no education".

Well, yes you do, because you've just used a double negative.

Strictly speaking, you have just implied that they don't need educating. So it follows that they don't not need no education. Doesn't it?

 

[ricicle]

I think you've missed the whole point of that line

 

[kevplumb]

pigs on the wing aliistair

 

[swelec]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtj8she1mgg

"Slightly" off topic sorry, but watched all five parts over Christmas

Classic

 

[securespark]

I don't believe "Not uncommon" to be a double negative.

 

[JohnD]

Well, yes you do, because you've just used a double negative. However to say "not uncommon" is perfectly acceptable.

though Russian construction is different.

memorise the following:

"A not unblack dog chased a not unsmall rabbit across a not ungreen field"

I don't believe "Not uncommon" to be a double negative.

Yes it is, although, by usage, it is generally understood to mean "common" wheras we usually understand a person who says "I aint done nuffink" to mean "I have done nothing." This is judgement applied by wisdom and experience.

 

[noseall]

i prefer a paradox to a double negative.

 

[ricicle]

I like oxymorons

 

[BoxBasher]

I like oxymorons

So do I, especially ones like

"American Education" or "military Intelligence"

 

[swelec]

and the classic "Microsoft Works"