July 20, 2002, 21:10
AmandaUsed cars for sale
My husband and I heard a radio announcer today say they were having a sale on "pre-titled" cars. He was using that as a euphemism for "used" cars. Using the prefix "pre", to my husband's way of thought, means that it is "before-title", not "previously titled". Exact opposites in meaning. However, we have gotten used to the term "pre-owned" meaning used, and that means that it was "previously owned". Can anyone clarify the use of the prefix "pre" here, and tell me who is right!

July 20, 2002, 22:13
<Asa Lovejoy>Hey, Administrator, aren't you a lawyer? Help her out here - and me too! It appears that the abused car crooks are shortening "previously" to "pre," contrary to "pre"vious conventions.
July 21, 2002, 01:20
arnie Dictionary.com gives
1.
- Earlier; before; prior to;
- Preparatory; preliminary;
- In advance;
2.
Anterior; in front of.
Your radio announcer seems to be twisting the language to his own ends -- or at least the advertising copy writer is; not unknown in my experience.
