3V0933.03 Nouns and adjectives: non-standard usage (8/12/80)

Peggy has long resisted our attributing any character to her where of
this form, “You’re a X.” (Or “Are you an X ?”)
Bob: Are you a sweet Peggy ?
Peggy: Yes.
Bob: Are you a sweety ?
Peggy: No ! I’m a Peggy !
It appears to be the case that Peggy will accept modification of her
name by some attributive adjective but not a substitute for her name.
Another clear example of personal application of adjectives derives
from a description of herself, reflecting Scurry’s eye infection: “My eye
is blue and yukky. I am NOT a dog.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email