Monday, 1 October 2012

A fat chance and a slim chance


Even though English is my language I am often surprised by the amount of information that I don't know!!  This is usually pointed out to me by the questions that I am asked to which I often don't have the answer to hand.  I was recently asked the following questions: What is a fat chance?  What is a slim chance?  Do they mean the same thing?  

Well, fat and slim are opposites, aren't they?  So, it would be an obvious thing to assume that these two phrases don't mean the same, but they do.  I know that because, well because I do.  But, how does one explain this?  So, I decided to do a little research and this is what I came up with. 

When you use the phrase "fat chance", you are usually saying it with some kind or sarcasm in your voice.  You don't expect to win or achieve your goal. You really don't expect it to happen at all.

On the other hand a "slim chance" is not said sarcastically.  I would say it is said with a more pessimistic view point.  And, there is actually a very small chance of achieving what you set out to do.  

So, there you have it.  Two phrases that almost mean the same thing but if said with the correct tone of voice actually do mean something different.

I hope that you enjoyed today's ramblings.
I'll be back soon with some more.
Ros