Lowest denominator

Posted by Bob on September 29, 2003

In Reply to: Lowest denominator posted by ilia on September 29, 2003

: Another phrase that seemed like a puzzle to me: "over the years Dan has been reviled worldwide for his alleged crassness and reputation for catering to the lowest common denominator in order to make a buck".

: The denominator phrase - does it mean that Dan was ready for everything to make a buck? Or that he would push his partners until to the end?

: Thank you.

"Lowest common denominator" is a term from arithmetic which is used metaphorically to mean "catering to the lowest, basest, most vulgar tastes to reach the largest numbers of people."