Discussions about eggcorns and related topics
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Chris -- 2018-04-11
A new one on me in a student paper today, although I see the phrase has a bit of a google presence.
I guess if you don’t know what a “mint” is (besides something to eat after dinner), “mink condition” would make more sense, assuming proper care of one’s fur collection.
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Nice! And, welcome!
*If the human mind were simple enough for us to understand,
we would be too simple-minded to understand it* .
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Seems that it could very well be an eggcorn, though I would be fascinated to see what meaning is attached to “mink.” A mink coat might be considered a high-end luxury item (at least at one time), so perhaps a coin in “mink” condition might also be considered high-end item.
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My guess is that it’s the sort of fine condition you’d want to keep high-end items in; no one likes a ratty mink.
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a fragile glass dolphin statue and a mink vase
She grabbed a mink vase from its’ place near the door and flung it. The vase shattered against’s Tristan’s face, causing him to tumble from the chair
people start saying you broke a mink vase or you trash everything you touch
Perhaps “mink” just means “pricey” to some people.
On the plain in Spain where it mainly rains.
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Another variant which is pretty opaque unless it means ‘up to the minute’ or something similar:
my mobile phone is in minute condition less used extended warranty by nokia (17) months warranty !!!!
Set is in minute condition 10/10 almost new
VERY STYLISH & MODERNIZE 3+2+1+1+ = 7 SEATER SOFA SET WITH LOTS OF SMALL & BIG MATCHING CUTIONS IN MINUTE CONDITION …
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I think I’ve got a good one:
in meant condition
The semantics are impeccable (which makes a change) and there are loads of examples:
I have an Iraqi news paper that covered the capture of Saddam. Its in meant condition, how much is it worth?
They swore the car was in meant condition
Last edited by JuanTwoThree (2012-07-24 15:17:17)
On the plain in Spain where it mainly rains.
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Primo additions. Mink vase is wonderfully dada. Meant condition is a new classic – I presume you see it as “the condition it was meant to be in”, Juan. “Minute condition” would make more sense if it were my-noot than minit. Is it a case of words-we-knew-and-understood-but-mispronounced-in-our-mind?
Here’s another that must refer to goods that have only been handled with kid gloves, or those white cotton gloves that auctioneers use.
I need the money for some bills. They are both in mitt condition … PLEASE I’am looking for serious buyers only. All my purses are in mitt condition
Purse ad
new leather seats done engine is fresh 17inch rims imported with deep dish high polished car is very neat and clean very fast still in mitt condition lot of work went into this car must see
Car for sale
this xbox is in mitt condition I am willing to trade for a dirtbike
Gamer offer
I note in passing that “priceless mint vase” is also out there, but it’s no mink.
Last edited by David Bird (2012-07-24 20:38:03)
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Mink condition sounds pretty attractive, but is prosaic compared to myth condition.
This book is in myth condition and has never been used before.
Classified ad
Well here is my list… not much, but hey! At least there are all in myth condition :)
Games I own
Fire up the barbecue, these goods are in meat condition. Ready for market.
THE TOTAL PACKAGE IS IN MEAT CONDITION.
Stairway to Heaven promo record for sale
This is in meat condition. I’m selling this for $500.
Gaming laptop for sale
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Got to work, work, work to get myself in condition for the meet.
Huawei available for sale at reasonable price and very good condition back color in meet condition.
used phone for sale
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This one doesn’t sound especially shiny:
Bought for 2 month Mince condition George 3 in 1 Vacuum Cleaner
https://www.gumtree.com/p/vacuum-cleane … 1194410492
As a famous shoe designer, he also had shiny black shoes in mince condition.
http://www.bntnews.co.uk/app/news.php?nid=1885
Original lens by nikon still in mince condition and hasn’t been fired. 70s model a great tool to use with the nikon f2 for a really photographer experience.
https://www.olx.co.za/ad/nikkor-c-auto- … 6efAB.html
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frippo wrote:
I guess if you don’t know what a “mint” is (besides something to eat after dinner), “mink condition” would make more sense, assuming proper care of one’s fur collection.
Just to state what may be obvious: the “mint” in this phrase was originally a reference to the place where coins are made: a coin in mint condition is brand-new, completely un-marred and un-worn. Some speakers still have that image in mind, but many presumably do not.
*If the human mind were simple enough for us to understand,
we would be too simple-minded to understand it* .
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Another obvious thing we didn’t say overtly, and I may well not even have gotten, a mink vase (as documented by Juan in the fifth post above) is likely to be an eggcorn formed off of “Ming vaseâ€. It is not just an example showing that mink means “high-end, luxurious, pricey (etc.)â€, though of course that sort of meaning would be the justification for the eggcorning.
Last edited by DavidTuggy (2019-08-29 22:06:02)
*If the human mind were simple enough for us to understand,
we would be too simple-minded to understand it* .
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