On Fri, 11 Apr 2014, Steve Searle wrote:
Around 12:36pm on Friday, April 11, 2014 (UK time), Rolf Turner
wrote:
> Although I am not British, I thought I was reasonably well-informed
> about British colloquialisms, and I am unaware of "sad" being used as an
> insult. I guess that to call someone a "sad case" is an insult, but
> "sad" on its own is different.
>
> Are you sure you didn't mean "sod"? :-)
I am British (English) and calling someone sad is a minor insult.
Usually implying they are unpopular or have no social skills - "The sad
bastard is staying in on Friday night".
It still retains its official meaning too.
Steve
Just goes to show that no matter how hard you try not to offend, if someone wants to be
offended badly enough, he or she can manage it.
billo