People driving in Ivan's car.

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by ivank

What is a quip?

Okay, then how was this one cruel

Jim and I are good friends, so sometimes we say mean things to each other just because we think it's funny. What he was saying was cruel (in a joking way) was my saying to you that, while I don't accuse you of being a bad driver, I'll bring my helmet anyway, which implies I might think you really are a bad driver, or at least that accidents follow you around.

I experienced a very good example of that misunderstanding several years ago, when a member made a comment (joking of course) about Americans. I replied with "Hey! I resemble that remark!" He made a big apology for offending me, and I had to explain that this was an American way of saying "I am offended, but only because it's true." Now I see that our British cousins use this comment all the time as well, so I'm still puzzled as to why a Canadian didn't get it.

Anyway, Jim's "cruel quip" comment was aimed at me, as a joke, and I have no problem with it. But I will be glad to explain more, if needed.