| Last Hussar | 04 Aug 2008 11:19 a.m. PST |
But it's not half the price- is it still cheap? Why don't we say cheap at twice the price? |
| Farstar | 04 Aug 2008 11:49 a.m. PST |
"Cheap at twice the price" is the original phrase, insinuating that you will be getting a good deal stacked on a good deal. "Cheap at half the price" is the much more recent twist on the phrase, indicating what the speaker thinks of your "bargain". |
Wyatt the Odd  | 04 Aug 2008 12:46 p.m. PST |
For you, we will double the price – but we'll give you a 50% discount. Wyatt |
| aecurtis | 04 Aug 2008 2:48 p.m. PST |
"Cheap at half the price" is the much more recent twist on the phrase, indicating what the speaker thinks of your "bargain". Or that the speaker didn't understand the original usage, and has garbled it because he doesn't have the wit to think it through. Failing to think about language results in such irritating usage as "momentarily" instead of "in a moment", or kluging "irrespective" and "regardless" to produce "irregardless". Allen |
| Last Hussar | 04 Aug 2008 4:33 p.m. PST |
No- I've heard it lots from many people all over the country for as long as I can be sure of remembering- definately since 93. Seems to be a Brit thing. |
| Lentulus | 04 Aug 2008 6:21 p.m. PST |
as I can be sure of remembering- definately since 93 No offense, but that is hardly plumbing the depths of human historical experience. Here is an offering on origin and revision that makes some sense: link |
| Lentulus | 04 Aug 2008 6:25 p.m. PST |
Here, "..at half the price" from the "Brit Thing" perspective: link Although it does have some age on this continent: link |
| Boone Doggle | 04 Aug 2008 6:29 p.m. PST |
I've been using this phrase since I can't remember when or where it came from, at least 20 years. This is the first time I remember hearing anyone else use or mention it. Yes, it is sarcastic. Most of the fun is that people often don't notice change and thus the sarcasm. |
| lgkmas | 05 Aug 2008 3:11 a.m. PST |
I have never heard the expression "cheap at twice the price". I have always heard it as the sarcastic one, ie at half the price. And I go back about 60 years! Then again, I am in Oz, the home of the ironic or sarcastic saying. |
| Mrs Pumblechook | 05 Aug 2008 4:22 a.m. PST |
I've heard and used "cheap at twice the price" and I'm in Oz I've also used "cheap at half the price" usually when somebody has given me something to me for free that I think is worthless. |
| Andrew Walters | 05 Aug 2008 9:03 a.m. PST |
I love it when people use "cheap at half the price" non-sarcastically, and that's doubly so when I hear "irregardless." It gives me the feeling of advantage, that I understand the language and they don't. Andrew |
| Klebert L Hall | 05 Aug 2008 9:07 a.m. PST |
Buy one hot dog for double price, get second dog absolutely free!
-Kle. |
| Andrew Walters | 05 Aug 2008 9:49 a.m. PST |
Anything "free with" is just another lie that makes you feel smart. If its free when you buy something else, its included in the price, right? Its like 0% or 2% auto financing. They bump the price a little, that bumps the payment a little, they're getting the same money each month but not calling it interest, who are they fooling? Ask them if you get a discount if you pay all cash up front, I bet you do. Andrew |
| Whatisitgood4atwork | 05 Aug 2008 6:51 p.m. PST |
A commentary on 'free with'. drogafive.com Can't find a direct link to the ad, but click on 'the work', then 'net 10', then 'animation' and #4. Worth the effort I assure you. Actually, all are worth looking at. |
| Whatisitgood4atwork | 05 Aug 2008 6:56 p.m. PST |
link Okay, I can find a direct link. Why I didn't try youtube to start with… Anyway, top work from one of the most interesting ad agencies in the world (but please don't let that put you off). |
