[robgough]

I'm sorry you took such offence at me using "cruel and unusual" as a turn of phrase, rather than to mean it's dictionary definition. I'll admit I'll happily use it in conversation - but perhaps I should have been more careful online where things are taken somewhat more literally.

I do feel that forcing Apple to link to a competitor, and advertise for them, is a form of punishment though.

[286c8cb04bda]

> I'm sorry you took such offence...

You're sorry he took offence? That's a pretty passive-aggressive apology isn't it?

You used the phrase wrong. He corrected you. I don't think you're allowed to claim any high ground here.

> I do feel that forcing Apple to link to a competitor, and advertise for them, is a form of punishment though.

That's supposed to be the whole point, I think.

[capitao]

> You used the phrase wrong. He corrected you.

wow, really? that phrase is used all the time in a lax, colloquial manner, he didn't 'use it wrong' at all.

why is everyone jumping to wikipedia over this? nothing better to do today?

[robgough]

It was quite genuine, I didn't mean to offend or upset. Lesson learnt!

You don't mention this, but I didn't to edit my original post, as i'm not a big fan of editing post content - but rather adding as part of the conversation.

[lmm]

He didn't "use the phrase wrong"; he communicated his meaning effectively. Dictionaries (of English; there is no acadamie anglaise) consist of observations, not rulings; if a dictionary disagrees with usage, it is the dictionary that is wrong.

[natrius]

The phrase "cruel and unusual punishment" is typically used when someone is trying to argue that a punishment should be illegal. A legalistic reply should be expected.

[Samuel_Michon]

“I'm sorry you took such offence”

Fantastic, I'm a huge fan of the non-apology apology. Hearing or reading one always makes me smile.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-apology_apology