4

I am reading a book that says a man "consumed the marriage", which I presume should be "consummated".

I did find an Italian website a using the same expression, although that read like it was written by a non-native speaker.

I assume there is no such expression as "consumed the marriage"?

The book is “Easy Meat” by Peter McLoughlin. Opening page:

“...then he [Muhammed] married Aisha when she was a girl of six years of age, and he consumed that marriage when she was nine years old” - Hadith Book 63

The book is English but the quote is a translation. However, I'd be surprised it was the author that ran it through a translator.

Improve this question
12
  • 1
    Sounds like an "autocorrect" error to me.
    – Max Williams
    Jun 6 '16 at 7:19
  • 2
    Marriage consumes the man, not the other way around.
    – deadrat
    Jun 6 '16 at 7:33
  • 2
    Considering th esubject, I doubt the author intended a pun. I think it is likely a (translation) error that slipped through the editor's fingers.
    – oerkelens
    Jun 6 '16 at 7:53
  • 2
    In Italian you have the expression "consumare il matrimonio" which has important implications for the Catholic rules that govern marriage. Probably your sentence is a translation.
    – user66974
    Jun 6 '16 at 7:58
  • 3
    I think the correct translation is "consummate"
    – user66974
    Jun 6 '16 at 8:13
3

The consensus (interesting Italian comments notwithstanding) is "consume" must be a typo of "consummate", which I accept.

Improve this answer
1
  • 2
    Yes, and the origin of the typo is just poor (literal) translation.
    – user66974
    Jun 6 '16 at 12:11

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

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