Could anybody be kind enough to help me understand the meaning of a cartoon subtitle. This might be a joke or something but I can't get the point:
"I'm learning how to relax, doctor - but I want to relax better and faster! I WANT TO BE ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF RELAXATION!"
Thanks.
***** NOT A TEACHER / ONLY MY OPINION
Deepurple,
I have discussed your question with my brother, and I should like
to pass his interpretation on to you.
(1) First, it is necessary to understand the term
cutting edge.
According to my dictionaries, it refers to the most modern and
most advanced techniques and methods.
(a) For example, a hospital might advertise that it offers
the cutting edge of medical techniques to treat certain illnesses.
And a language school might exaggerate: We offer the cutting
edge of learning methods. We can teach you Chinese in one week, and
French in 24 hours!!!
(2) I think the term
cutting edge suggests a competitive spirit.
Always wanting to do something better and more effectively. Never
resting but always trying to find the newest and best ways.
(3) My brother interprets the caption this way:
The patient wants to relax. But the patient also wants to be
on the cutting edge of relaxation. That is, the patient is
so
busy trying to find the most advanced and effective
ways to relax that s/he is doing the
opposite of relaxing!!!
S/he says, "I want to relax faster and better." Why doesn't
s/he just calm down and relax!!! The humor seems to lie in the
contrast between her desire to relax and her desire to compete.
If this is the "correct" interpretation, you can thank my brother,
for I had not thought of it.
Thank you
