Hi guys,
I've come across this phrase in a novel by Christopher Isherwood, titled 'Prater Violet', and I wonder about the meaning and implication of the word "business" therein. Here is the context: a guy phones to the protagonist, asks the protagonist whether he's been to Blackpool, then the story goes on like this:
I've come across this phrase in a novel by Christopher Isherwood, titled 'Prater Violet', and I wonder about the meaning and implication of the word "business" therein. Here is the context: a guy phones to the protagonist, asks the protagonist whether he's been to Blackpool, then the story goes on like this:
Is "business" a kind of euphemism for something else, like something of artificiality of a laugh?'There must be some mistake . . .' I got ready to hang up on him. 'I've never been to Blackpool in my life.'
'Splendid!' The voice uttered a brisk little business laugh. . . .