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: Althouse

Fake outrage over Alan Simpson's twist on the phrase "sucking on the government tit."

It's a standard expression. Simpson came up with a brilliantly memorable variation to describe social security: "a milk cow with 310 million tits." Then he let himself get pushed back by people who spewed faux outrage to keep anyone from using the powerful phrase ever again.

And by the way, shouldn't the word Simpson used be spelled "teat"? The "tit" pronunciation of "teat" is seared in my memory, because once, years ago, I read the phrase "colder than a witch's teat" and pronounce it "teet." Apparently, at least in some sectors ? possibly including Wyoming ? you sound like a fool if you say "teet." It's "tit." "Tit" for "teat."

Discuss!

Full post as published by Althouse on August 26, 2010 (boomark / email).