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Used cars for sale

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July 20, 2002, 21:10
Amanda
Used 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! wink
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.
  1. Earlier; before; prior to;
  2. Preparatory; preliminary;
  3. 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. roll eyes