TeacherVision - Lesson Plans, Printables and moreFree Trial  Member Benefits  Sign In    
Click Here
Feb 12, 2012
Search:   
  • Select a Country Please select your location to view
    the most relevant content for you.
|
 
on the gripping hand

In the progression that starts “On the one hand...” and continues “On the other hand...” mainstream English may add “on the third hand...” even though most people don't have three hands. Among hackers, it is just as likely to be “on the gripping hand”. This metaphor supplied the title of Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle's 1993 SF novel “The Gripping Hand” which involved a species of hostile aliens with three arms (the same species, in fact, referenced in juggling eggs). As with TANSTAAFL and con, this usage became one of the naturalized imports from SF fandom frequently observed among hackers.

Teacher Resources | Online Gradebook | Parenting | Reference Site | Homework Help | K-8 Kids | Poptropica
© 2000-2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.