Piece of work

Posted by David FG on June 25, 2005

In Reply to: Piece of work posted by Bob on June 25, 2005

: : : : The expression "(a person) is a 'piece of work'." What is implied by this expression? Insult, derogatory, or what?

: : : The full phrase is "X is a nasty piece of work", which can imply a whole range of unpleasant qualities - dishonest, vicious, vindictive, treacherous, etc.

: : It could be complimentary if said a certain way. "You are a piece of work." (Smile.)

: Agreed. It can be an admiring remark, or a condemnation. What do they have in common? Both are responses to, and a recognition of, a person complicated enough to be unpredictable.

Shakespeare uses it as a compliment: 'What a piece of work is man...' I can't remember the context, but I don't think he goes on to change it into an insult.

DFG

• Piece of work Smokey Stover 26/June/05