Question
When you told me you were a pet detective, I’ll be honest, said Joan, I thought you were a few sandwiches short of a picnic.
I smiled, giving her cat scruffy a quick scratch behind the ears. I get that a lot.
But you did it, John said you brought scruffy back. How did you find her?
I pause, my smile, frozen in place. The real story was long, a bit gross, and definitely not something my neighbor Joan would enjoy it. After some quick mental calculations, I landed on a version of the tail that only involved a few minor mistrusts.
it’s funny you ask… I began.
How does using the euphemism “ a few sandwiches short of a picnic” affect the narrative
it gives the conversation a more casual tone
it tells the reader more about both characters
it creates tension between Joan and the narrator
it makes Joan’s statement seem less insulting
I smiled, giving her cat scruffy a quick scratch behind the ears. I get that a lot.
But you did it, John said you brought scruffy back. How did you find her?
I pause, my smile, frozen in place. The real story was long, a bit gross, and definitely not something my neighbor Joan would enjoy it. After some quick mental calculations, I landed on a version of the tail that only involved a few minor mistrusts.
it’s funny you ask… I began.
How does using the euphemism “ a few sandwiches short of a picnic” affect the narrative
it gives the conversation a more casual tone
it tells the reader more about both characters
it creates tension between Joan and the narrator
it makes Joan’s statement seem less insulting
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The use of the euphemism “a few sandwiches short of a picnic” affects the narrative in multiple ways, but primarily:
**It makes Joan’s statement seem less insulting.**
This phrase is a light-hearted way to suggest that someone is not very smart or is a little odd, which softens the critique of the narrator's profession. It contributes to a casual and conversational tone, showing that while Joan might have her doubts, she expresses them in a playful manner rather than an outright harsh critique. This choice of words can also reflect Joan's personality—someone who is more likely to use humor rather than bluntness when communicating.
**It makes Joan’s statement seem less insulting.**
This phrase is a light-hearted way to suggest that someone is not very smart or is a little odd, which softens the critique of the narrator's profession. It contributes to a casual and conversational tone, showing that while Joan might have her doubts, she expresses them in a playful manner rather than an outright harsh critique. This choice of words can also reflect Joan's personality—someone who is more likely to use humor rather than bluntness when communicating.