At 10:09 AM 6/5/2010, you wrote:
>Note that "play nicely" usage is increased by the fact that some usages of
>PN do not suit 'nice' see at end.
>And:
>eg "I think they play nicely together" is euphonic to a NZ ear.
>"I think they play nice together" is NOT euphonic to a NZ ear.

Nor to CanE ears. The (proto)typical use of "play nice" is imperative, as a
mother instructing or scolding her kids ("Play nice, now!"). It is thus rather
useful wherever one wishes to metaphorically imply such a relationship.

For example:

"Pat and Robin have to learn to play nice" (the speaker supervises them and
grows weary of their incessant bickering). The implication is that they are
acting like naughty children, and the "parent" must intervene.

"Greece and Turkey have to play nice" (the speaker is an official of the
currently dominant hegemon).

Best regards,

Spehro Pefhany --"it's the network..."            "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com             Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog  Info for designers:  http://www.speff.com



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