Why do people use the term “all but” before an adjective to illustrate just how resolute something is in a given state? For instance, if someone say’s “all but dead”, they are trying to stress how dead that something is, but saying “all but” before “dead” really means “everything but dead”.
ツ “All but”, huh?
Published: July 15, 2009Posted in: Thoughts
About the Author
I'm hooked on etymology, folklore, writing, live music, and making movies. I jam the axe and I'm currently learning how to beat the skins. I write cool software and meaningful screenplays.
I like to drive fast with the top down in the rain with the music cranked.
My tastes in TV, music, film, and literature are broad but obscure. I keep a journal, write screenplays, compose music, take many pictures, and create software.
When camping at night, you can find me staring into the campfire either playing the guitar or telling a spooky story under the moonlight. I love thunder storms, Friday is my favorite day and my favorite number is 9. 
