Talk

Flip

Pedants' corner

What exactly does "deceptively big/small" mean?

6 replies

BarkisIsWilling · 30/04/2009 20:53

Why would you say a bag was "deceptively big" and can contain your guitar?

What does a "deceptively small house" signify?

OP posts:

Thanks

Report

moondog · 30/04/2009 20:57

Hmm, good point,not so clear when you think about it.
Is something deceptively small if it looks small but isn't or is it deceptively small if it looks large and isn't?

Thanks

Report

Kentishwoman · 07/05/2009 13:37

Hmm, puzzling. Maybe it would help to use a different verb? EG The bag appears deceptively small.

Thanks

Report

LynetteScavo · 08/05/2009 18:13

You need to ask an Estate Agent. I think a deceptivly small house would look impressive form the outside, but only be large enough for a hamster inside.

I understand bungalows can be deceptivly big.

Thanks

Report

Winebeforepearls · 08/05/2009 18:15

I have always HATED these phrases -- WHAT do they mean? Why can't they just say 'tardis-like' or 'disappointingly cramped once inside'

Thanks

Report

RustyBear · 25/05/2009 14:15

There was a house near where I used to live that looked very small - it had been crammed in with 4 or 5 others in the space where one used to be - I never saw inside, but I think it must have been bigger inside than it looked, because it was called 'Tardis'

Thanks

Report

BarkisIsWilling · 25/05/2009 14:47

I agree with you all. Why can't people say things like "bigger or smaller than it looks"?

Apologies in advance to those who may not class estate agents as people ;)

OP posts:

Thanks

Report

Flip

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.