Why is Calling Someone a “Piece of Work” an Insult?

Porsches, Picasso’s, and Stradivariuses

A Steinway piano is a hand-made marvel, full of intricate detail and workmanship, sought by collectors and valued accordingly.

A true “piece of work,” one might even say.

Ditto such treasures as a Stradivarius violin, a Picasso painting, a Porsche sports car, and a Rolex watch.

So . . . how come calling a person “a piece of work” is almost universally regarded as an insult, not a compliment??

Just asking . . . 🙂

“Isn’t That . . . Precious?”

Interestingly, while five of the seven recognized definitions of the word “precious” are flattering (“financially valuable,” “greatly loved,” etc.), two are decidedly not:

One. Affectedly or excessively delicate, refined, or nice (see, “precious manners”); and

Two. Flagrant; gross (as in, “a precious fool”).

See also: “Which ‘Done” Did They Mean?“; “The Many Guises of ‘Hot Dog’“; and “Re-Duded Home.”



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