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From: gazelle@shell.xmission.com (Kenny McCormack)
Newsgroups: comp.lang.c
Subject: Beyond the pale... (Was: do { quit; } else { })
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2025 16:08:24 -0000 (UTC)
Organization: The official candy of the new Millennium
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In article <vsu5dj$19k7e$1@dont-email.me>,
David Brown  <david.brown@hesbynett.no> wrote:
....
>> The language he uses in this thread is just beyond the pale (*) in terms of
>> rudeness and non-civility.  If his target was anyone else (and especially
>> if it was an old regular), we'd probably have 20 posts already condemning
>> his language.
>> 
>> (*) I think that's the right spelling - for a phrase I've only heard and
>> have never seen written down.  Or is it "pail" ?
>> 
>
>It's even more off-topic, but I like to answer questions when asked - 
>yes, you are correct that it is "pale", from an old word for post or 
>fence (with similar etymology to "post", as in "wooden post").  Thus 
>"beyond the pale" is outside the borders or boundaries of your little 
>bit of civilisation.

Thanks.  That is useful to know.

But then I wonder if there is any connection between the word "pale"
meaning "post" and its modern meaning (as in "A Whiter Shade of Pale").

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