Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

Here is the passage:

The skies will burst open and Odin’s tears will drown the world of men on the day when JaVale McGee’s body syncs up naturally with his team on the basketball court.

Until that day, however, we’re going to sit back and enjoy living on a planet where professional basketball players like McGee are free to flail.

By the way, I know nothing about Odin.

share|improve this question
4  
Did you look him up? – Andrew Leach Dec 22 '12 at 15:30
1  
Off topic: literature (such as it is) analysis. – MετάEd Dec 22 '12 at 17:02
@MετάEd Agree as Off Topic. However, there are any number of such questions going around -- with plenty of up votes for both Qs as well answers such as Andrew Leach's here. I vote to close. – Kris Apr 28 at 10:18

closed as off topic by coleopterist, tchrist, Kris, Kristina Lopez, Hellion Apr 29 at 19:10

Questions on English Language & Usage Stack Exchange are expected to relate to English language and usage within the scope defined in the FAQ. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about closed questions here.

1 Answer

up vote 3 down vote

The quote is from Sports events that would prove the world is ending.

The event of Odin's tears drowning the world is so unlikely to happen as to be impossible. The author is of the opinion that JaVale McGee is so selfish that he will never actually improve, even if he was given all the time in the world.

Or: the world will only end once JaVale McGee becomes a good team player, which is a very long time away.

Either way, the author has resorted to a colourful image of implausibility to illustrate his opinion of the player.

share|improve this answer
I say old chap, what spiffing titfer! – Roaring Fish Dec 22 '12 at 16:09
@RoaringFish Wuzza titfer? – tchrist Dec 22 '12 at 16:31
A hat. Tit for tat = hat, shortened to titfer. Similar to gopher - "Whats your job" ~ "I'm a gopher. I go for the wood/nails/glue/hammer/pies/tea/etc" – Roaring Fish Dec 22 '12 at 16:50
I think the implication is that McGee is a selfish player who does not coordinate with his teammates, not that he is unskilled. – Andrew Lazarus Dec 22 '12 at 17:21
@AndrewLazarus Thanks. I'm not a basketball player and the video isn't exactly clear. – Andrew Leach Dec 22 '12 at 17:31
show 2 more comments

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.