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<<<<   1855   >>>>

Topic: Hoist with your own petard

Message 1 / 14
Greg LindenFeb 5, 2008
 
 
As an American, I can vouch that, while not used much
conversationally, the phrase is reasonably well-known here. As to
its origins, the following is a good reference:

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hoist%20by%20your%20own%20petard.html

Greg


At 8:15 AM +0000 2/5/08, lapsedcat wrote:
>Robert,
>
>Am I right in thinking you're American? I'm sure I've read posts from
>you in the past where you have alluded to this fact. Plus, the
>inclusion of the "L" in your name would suggest this is so (Americans
>do like to include their middle initial far more than Brits - I'd be
>even more delighted if your username was Robert L. Torres III)
>
>Anyway, the phrase "Hoist by your own petard" still passes as
>conversational currency in these Isles, and generally gets trotted
>out when some instance of sheer hypocrisy or chicanery is exposed...
>the word "petard" comes from the French, and is one of those handful
>of Gallic words which entered the English language centuries ago and
>somehow stuck... don't ask me what it means, but I suspect it has
>naval connotations.
>
>
>--- In just-a-minute@..., "Robert L. Torres"
><bobbyshaddoe3004@...> wrote:
>>
>> I'd like to take a moment and discuss the frequent use of this,
>quite
>> frankly, ridiculous phrase in Just a Minute.... that such and such
>a
>> person was 'hoist with his or her own petard'. What the hell is a
>> petard anyway?
>>
>> This has been used so often throughout the show's history, and I
>> think it was started by Kenneth Williams whenever someone that
>> challenged another person so smugly or dared to challenge him so
>> smugly, he would retaliate by saying that they had been 'hoist with
>> their own petard', very much reveling in his behavior of an overly
>> petulant five year old.
>>
>> it's not the sort of thing that's even used nowadays, in fact the
>> only person that would say that phrase is Nicholas, and frankly the
>> fact that it's been used so often much like the phrase 'benefit of
>> the doubt', it's lost all meaning, frankly I'm glad they don't use
>> that phrase anymore, as it has no place in the series the way it is
>> now.
>>
>> i'm curious as to what people think about this particular phrase
>> whether they liked it or not or if anyone can recall any instances
>> where something humourous has emerged surrounding this particular
>> phrase.
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

 
<<<<   1856   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 2 / 14
lindaFeb 5, 2008
 
 
--- In just-a-minute@..., Greg Linden <gmlinden@...>
wrote:
>
> As an American, I can vouch that, while not used much
> conversationally, the phrase is reasonably well-known here. As to
> its origins, the following is a good reference:
>
> http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hoist%20by%20your%20own%
20petard.html
>
> Greg


gresg has got the right description . a petard is a small bomb like
item used to bust a hole in a wall during war . i have seen tony
robinson describe where this phrase has come from on a show called
worst jobs . a petardier was someone who stuck the weapon to the
wall after the fuse had been lit . sometimes it blew up and the
petardier was killed before he got to safety or someteims enemy
forces killed him as he was running towards where he had to put the
bomb . hence he was hiosted by his own petard .
i hope this helps !
Cheers
Linda
 
<<<<   1857   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 3 / 14
Robert TorresFeb 5, 2008
 
 
I am an American, yes, although technically I'm Puerto Rican, but I'm still an American citizen. 
 
It's funny you mention the inclusion of my middle initial, it stands for Louis.  I was named after Robert Louis Stevenson, a Scotsman. 
 
I wish I could call myself Robert L. Torres III, that would certainly be something a bit more interesting. 
 
anyway, back to the subject in hand, I'm sure the phrase probably does originate as something to do with the Navy, I had no idea though that the word 'petard' came from the French, although I shouldn't be surprised since so many different things tend to originate from other languages.  thanks for explaining the way the phrase is used, much appreciated.  :)

lapsedcat <lapsedcat@...> wrote:
Robert,

Am I right in thinking you're American? I'm sure I've read posts from
you in the past where you have alluded to this fact. Plus, the
inclusion of the "L" in your name would suggest this is so (Americans
do like to include their middle initial far more than Brits - I'd be
even more delighted if your username was Robert L. Torres III)

Anyway, the phrase "Hoist by your own petard" still passes as
conversational currency in these Isles, and generally gets trotted
out when some instance of sheer hypocrisy or chicanery is exposed...
the word "petard" comes from the French, and is one of those handful
of Gallic words which entered the English language centuries ago and
somehow stuck... don't ask me what it means, but I suspect it has
naval connotations.

--- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, "Robert L. Torres"
<bobbyshaddoe3004@ ...> wrote:
>
> I'd like to take a moment and discuss the frequent use of this,
quite
> frankly, ridiculous phrase in Just a Minute.... that such and such
a
> person was 'hoist with his or her own petard'. What the hell is a
> petard anyway?
>
> This has been used so often throughout the show's history, and I
> think it was started by Kenneth Williams whenever someone that
> challenged another person so smugly or dared to challenge him so
> smugly, he would retaliate by saying that they had been 'hoist with
> their own petard', very much reveling in his behavior of an overly
> petulant five year old.
>
> it's not the sort of thing that's even used nowadays, in fact the
> only person that would say that phrase is Nicholas, and frankly the
> fact that it's been used so often much like the phrase 'benefit of
> the doubt', it's lost all meaning, frankly I'm glad they don't use
> that phrase anymore, as it has no place in the series the way it is
> now.
>
> i'm curious as to what people think about this particular phrase
> whether they liked it or not or if anyone can recall any instances
> where something humourous has emerged surrounding this particular
> phrase.
>



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<<<<   1859   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 4 / 14
Dean BedfordFeb 5, 2008
 
 
On Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 05:37 PM, Robert L. Torres wrote:

> I'd like to take a moment and discuss the frequent use of this, quite
> frankly, ridiculous phrase in Just a Minute.... that such and such a
> person was 'hoist with his or her own petard'. What the hell is a
> petard anyway?

just to add to what is being said, it's a phrase used when someone
accuses someone else of some crime or offence and then commits the same
offence. For example, if someone posted about someone else's grammatical
errors, and then made some of their own, it would be hoist with your own
petard.

If not exactly a phrase you would use every day it's a phrase in common
use still and I don't think it's something that has "lost all meaning".

It's an interesting point though - one of the things I like about JAM is
sometimes they use interesting words and terms and you learn something -
even at my advanced age, I still have lots to learn ;-)

I guess they used to do that more often in the Kenneth Williams/Derek
Nimmo days as they liked to show off their erudition... I liked that
myself and it's something that I think could be brought back into the
programme... Not that it should be an educational programme but I know
David Hatch used to like about the show that they used words in a
beautiful way... Only Kit Hesketh-Harvey really stands out currently as
someone who seems to have a real love of the use of words...
 
<<<<   1864   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 5 / 14
juliajellicoeFeb 5, 2008
 
 
As another Yank, I had to explain the phrase to my equally Yank
husband to explain a "Star Trek: The Next Generation" cartoon where
Dr. Crusher was "hoist by her own Picard."
 
<<<<   1865   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 6 / 14
jeremy_keensFeb 5, 2008
 
 
Hi

I think 'hoist with one's own petard' is a fabulous phrase which I use
and is one of the many joys of english. a petard is a small explosive
device, and so it's similar to shooting yourself in the foot - you've
been taken by your own trick. But has a unique flavour subtly
different to 'synonymous' phrases (like the afore mentioned hunting
accident).

Jeremy

PS has anyone ever suggested that we write here using JAM rules?

pps while checking the meaning of petard i passed by one of my pet
peeves in english - the difference between sewage and sewerage and the
number times people get it wrong

--- In just-a-minute@..., "Robert L. Torres"
<bobbyshaddoe3004@...> wrote:
>
> I'd like to take a moment and discuss the frequent use of this, quite
> frankly, ridiculous phrase in Just a Minute.... that such and such a
> person was 'hoist with his or her own petard'. What the hell is a
> petard anyway?
>
> This has been used so often throughout the show's history, and I
> think it was started by Kenneth Williams whenever someone that
> challenged another person so smugly or dared to challenge him so
> smugly, he would retaliate by saying that they had been 'hoist with
> their own petard', very much reveling in his behavior of an overly
> petulant five year old.
>
> it's not the sort of thing that's even used nowadays, in fact the
> only person that would say that phrase is Nicholas, and frankly the
> fact that it's been used so often much like the phrase 'benefit of
> the doubt', it's lost all meaning, frankly I'm glad they don't use
> that phrase anymore, as it has no place in the series the way it is
> now.
>
> i'm curious as to what people think about this particular phrase
> whether they liked it or not or if anyone can recall any instances
> where something humourous has emerged surrounding this particular
> phrase.
>

 
<<<<   1866   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 7 / 14
Dean BedfordFeb 5, 2008
 
 
On Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 09:41 AM, jeremy_keens wrote:

> Hi
>
> I think 'hoist with one's own petard' is a fabulous phrase which I use
> and is one of the many joys of english. a petard is a small explosive
> device, and so it's similar to shooting yourself in the foot - you've
> been taken by your own trick. But has a unique flavour subtly
> different to 'synonymous' phrases (like the afore mentioned hunting
> accident).
>
> Jeremy
>
> PS has anyone ever suggested that we write here using JAM rules?

BUZZ - deviation ;-)
 
<<<<   1867   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 8 / 14
Robert TorresFeb 5, 2008
 
 
jokingly people have been known to buzz each other for all sorts of things, just as a joke though.  but the joy of something like JAM is that it's live with people in front of you. the whole writing thing doesn't seem as fun, cuz no one interrupts you in the middle of your writing. 

jeremy_keens <jeremy.keens@...> wrote:
Hi

I think 'hoist with one's own petard' is a fabulous phrase which I use
and is one of the many joys of english. a petard is a small explosive
device, and so it's similar to shooting yourself in the foot - you've
been taken by your own trick. But has a unique flavour subtly
different to 'synonymous' phrases (like the afore mentioned hunting
accident).

Jeremy

PS has anyone ever suggested that we write here using JAM rules?

pps while checking the meaning of petard i passed by one of my pet
peeves in english - the difference between sewage and sewerage and the
number times people get it wrong

--- In just-a-minute@ yahoogroups. com, "Robert L. Torres"
<bobbyshaddoe3004@ ...> wrote:
>
> I'd like to take a moment and discuss the frequent use of this, quite
> frankly, ridiculous phrase in Just a Minute.... that such and such a
> person was 'hoist with his or her own petard'. What the hell is a
> petard anyway?
>
> This has been used so often throughout the show's history, and I
> think it was started by Kenneth Williams whenever someone that
> challenged another person so smugly or dared to challenge him so
> smugly, he would retaliate by saying that they had been 'hoist with
> their own petard', very much reveling in his behavior of an overly
> petulant five year old.
>
> it's not the sort of thing that's even used nowadays, in fact the
> only person that would say that phrase is Nicholas, and frankly the
> fact that it's been used so often much like the phrase 'benefit of
> the doubt', it's lost all meaning, frankly I'm glad they don't use
> that phrase anymore, as it has no place in the series the way it is
> now.
>
> i'm curious as to what people think about this particular phrase
> whether they liked it or not or if anyone can recall any instances
> where something humourous has emerged surrounding this particular
> phrase.
>



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<<<<   1869   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 9 / 14
BikerDonFeb 5, 2008
 
 
Have you Guys never heard of Google ?
(www.google.co.uk)
 
Merely put the words 'hoist own petard' into the Google search terms box and you will get thousands of hits
each with an explanation of the term

Cheers
 
Don    __o
      -\<,
..... O/ O
 
 

 
<<<<   1870   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 10 / 14
BikerDonFeb 5, 2008
 
 
> I'd like to take a moment and discuss the frequent use of this, quite
> frankly, ridiculous phrase in Just a Minute....
 
I am assuming this is not a Troll
 
> What the hell is a petard anyway?
Have you not used Google before ?

> it's
not the sort of thing that's even used nowadays
I beg to differ, it is in common use here in the UK, often by myself
Part of the beautiful English language, as used by Shakespeare et al *
Obviously not the case in the US. <sigh>
 
* et al is a Latin phrase, again, often used in the UK meaning 'and others'
 
> in fact the only person that would say that phrase is Nicholas
again, not true
 
> i'm curious as to what people think
well, you did ask

Cheers
 
Don    __o
      -\<,
..... O/ O
 
 

 
<<<<   1873   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 11 / 14
jeremy_keensFeb 5, 2008
 
 
Nice one dean, fair cop
and I don't deserve the benefit of any doubt

Jeremy

--- In just-a-minute@..., Dean Bedford <dbedford@...> wrote:
>
>
> On Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 09:41 AM, jeremy_keens wrote:
>
> > Hi
> >
> > I think 'hoist with one's own petard' is a fabulous phrase which I use
> > and is one of the many joys of english. a petard is a small explosive
> > device, and so it's similar to shooting yourself in the foot - you've
> > been taken by your own trick. But has a unique flavour subtly
> > different to 'synonymous' phrases (like the afore mentioned hunting
> > accident).
> >
> > Jeremy
> >
> > PS has anyone ever suggested that we write here using JAM rules?
>
> BUZZ - deviation ;-)
>

 
<<<<   1875   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 12 / 14
Dean BedfordFeb 6, 2008
 
 
On Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 06:11 PM, jeremy_keens wrote:

> Nice one dean, fair cop
> and I don't deserve the benefit of any doubt
>
> Jeremy

Actually i really like the idea of trying to play by the JAM rules. But
I couldn't resist the joke.

BUZZes myself for repetition of I...
 
<<<<   1877   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 13 / 14
lindaFeb 6, 2008
 
 
> PS has anyone ever suggested that we write here using JAM rules?

o no please no . i suffer from dyslexia i would get done for
deviation in my spelling of words :-)
cheers
Linda
 
<<<<   1882   >>>>

Topic: Re: Hoist with your own petard

Message 14 / 14
Robert TorresFeb 7, 2008
 
 
I have heard of Google, but considering this group is about discussing all things Just a Minute, I thought it might be a nice topic for discussion.... and I was right!  :) 

BikerDon <don@...> wrote:
> I'd like to take a moment and discuss the frequent use of this, quite
> frankly, ridiculous phrase in Just a Minute....
 
I am assuming this is not a Troll
 
> What the hell is a petard anyway?
Have you not used Google before ?

> it's not the sort of thing that's even used nowadays
I beg to differ, it is in common use here in the UK, often by myself
Part of the beautiful English language, as used by Shakespeare et al *
Obviously not the case in the US. <sigh>
 
* et al is a Latin phrase, again, often used in the UK meaning 'and others'
 
> in fact the only person that would say that phrase is Nicholas
again, not true
 
> i'm curious as to what people think
well, you did ask

Cheers
 
Don    __o
      -\<,
..... O/ O
 
 


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