Glossary entry (derived from question below)
English term or phrase:
crest on a necktie
English answer:
woven or embroidered decoration on a tie
Added to glossary by
Adele Oliveri
Oct 1, 2009 10:31
14 yrs ago
English term
Italy
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crest on a necktie
English
Social Sciences
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Dear all
What's the meaning of "crest on a necktie" in the following sentence?
[Adam] Smith’s fate was to end up as a **crest on Reagan-era neckties**, a legitimating figurehead for an untested experiment in neoliberal capitalism, but compared to Karl Marx, he got off comparatively lightly.
Any clues? I understand "necktie" may also be used figuratively to indicate a noose, but then I am not sure how the crest fits in. Any suggestion would be appreciated. Thanks.
What's the meaning of "crest on a necktie" in the following sentence?
[Adam] Smith’s fate was to end up as a **crest on Reagan-era neckties**, a legitimating figurehead for an untested experiment in neoliberal capitalism, but compared to Karl Marx, he got off comparatively lightly.
Any clues? I understand "necktie" may also be used figuratively to indicate a noose, but then I am not sure how the crest fits in. Any suggestion would be appreciated. Thanks.
Responses
| 4 +4 | see explanation below |
Jenni Lukac (X)
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| 3 +1 | an emblem, a symbol |
Jack Doughty
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Responses
+4
10 mins
Selected
see explanation below
A "crest" on a necktie is the woven or embroidered decoration(often in a repeat pattern. In the Anglo-Saxon world, the crest can express prestige, either because it is the trademark of a very expensive clothier or because it is the crest of a very exclusive university or club. The author wants to say that Adam Smith's name was flashed around like a crest on a tie, a form of legitimization and authority.
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Note added at 11 mins (2009-10-01 10:42:40 GMT)
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I agree with Jack that the hangman's noose metaphor doesn't apply here.
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Note added at 11 mins (2009-10-01 10:42:40 GMT)
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I agree with Jack that the hangman's noose metaphor doesn't apply here.
Note from asker:
| Thank you Jenny, your explanation is very clear! |
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "thank you both!"
+1
6 mins
Jack Doughty
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
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&
English
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United Kingdom
Translator since 1953
Native in: English
Works in: Russian to English, German to English, English
Related KudoZ points
:
80
an emblem, a symbol
I don't think this has anything to do with a hangman's noose, I just think it means he served as an emblem, a symbol, a badge, such as can be displayed on ties by members or ex-members of organizations or military units, for Reaganesque economic policies.
Note from asker:
| Thank you Jack, that makes sense :-) |
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Andy Carr
: Strangely, the OED doesn't have "Legitimating" in it though even though it does list "legitimizating" which sounds horrible.
22 hrs
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Thank you. I don't like either, I would use "legitimizing/legitimising".
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