Do people total other things than cars? Can I say "I totaled my phone."?
O ostap77 Key Member Joined Sep 9, 2010 Member Type Student or Learner Native Language Ukrainian Home Country Ukraine Current Location Ukraine Mar 30, 2014 #1 Do people total other things than cars? Can I say "I totaled my phone."?
Barb_D Moderator Staff member Joined Mar 12, 2007 Member Type Other Native Language American English Home Country United States Current Location United States Mar 30, 2014 #2 If you said it, I'd understand. It doesn't mean "damage badly" -- it means "destroy."
O ostap77 Key Member Joined Sep 9, 2010 Member Type Student or Learner Native Language Ukrainian Home Country Ukraine Current Location Ukraine Mar 30, 2014 #3 Can it be used figuratively to mean to breake something so it's not worth reparing ?
5jj Moderator Staff member Joined Oct 14, 2010 Member Type English Teacher Native Language British English Home Country Czech Republic Current Location Czech Republic Mar 30, 2014 #4 I suppose so, though I have heard/used it only in the context of car write-offs.
T Tdol No Longer With Us (RIP) Staff member Joined Nov 13, 2002 Native Language British English Home Country UK Current Location Japan Mar 31, 2014 #5 If you're using something figuratively, then you're making the rules, so you could. Whether you should is another matter.
If you're using something figuratively, then you're making the rules, so you could. Whether you should is another matter.
S SoothingDave VIP Member Joined Apr 17, 2009 Member Type Interested in Language Native Language American English Home Country United States Current Location United States Mar 31, 2014 #6 I have not heard it used in another context either.
MikeNewYork VIP Member Joined Nov 13, 2002 Member Type Academic Native Language American English Home Country United States Current Location United States Apr 1, 2014 #7 I have had many friends tell me that they "drowned" their phones. I got it and did not pres the issue. I assumed toilets were involved. :lol:
I have had many friends tell me that they "drowned" their phones. I got it and did not pres the issue. I assumed toilets were involved. :lol: