Avoidi g the political aspects of his actions, Paul Ryan entered a soup kitchen one night with a camera crew who filmed his washing what some said were clean dishes. The kitchen's director complained that Ryan hadn't been invited but "ramrodded" his way in past a volunteer.

The term was picked up by the media, none of whom seemed uncomfortable using it. However, I think the proper and more accurate term was "steamrollered". Any (non-political) judgments?

Both words imply using a good deal of force. I think ramrodded is probably the better of the two words to use here, since it doesn't imply as much force as steamrolled. Either word, I think, is probably an exaggeration; I doubt that any great force was used. Perhaps "pushed his way in past a volunteer" would have been a better choice of words, though not as sensationalized.

I've always thought of "ramrodded" as vigorously leading a group, or stirring it to action, and not necessarily with evil intent.

Wordnik gives two definitions of ramrod used as a verb: "To exert strict control over; supervise closely." and "To force passage or acceptance of: a group that ramrodded the bill through Congress." Neither of those definitions fits the context.

I'm with Proof: "steamrollered" would be better.

Wordnik also gives three definitions of steamroller used as a verb:

quote:

v. To smooth or level (a road) with a steamroller.
v. To overwhelm or suppress ruthlessly; crush.
v. To move or proceed with overwhelming or crushing force.

None of those definitions fits either. That's why I suggested a less forceful verb be used, such as pushed, shoved, or even forced.

I'd've gone with forced. I agree with tinman that "steamrollered" doesn't quite fit but I don't feel that "ramrodded" does either.

Why not, "shoved his way in past a volunteer?" Forget steamrollers and ramrods, cheeky, thoughtless pushiness is what it is.

Yet, we all know what was meant, correct?

Yes, we all knew that he forced himself in, but we really don't know how much force was used. I doubt a lot of force was used, which ramrodded implies. I suspect the reporter chose that word to sensationalize it. We do love to exaggerate and sensationalize things.

I think, however, this discussion is similar to one in the times smaller thread. As in that thread, you know what is meant, so why the big deal?

How about bullied his way in?

"Bullied" implies threat; he was probably not threatening, just thoughtless, IMHO.

quote:

I suspect the reporter chose that word to sensationalize it.

That was the quote from the kitchen's director, as reported. I think ramrodded has the implication of authority over another, which the crew did not have. Rather than bullied, perhaps bulled?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: <Proofreader>, October 23, 2012 12:39

"Bullied" implies threatening to me, Geoff.

Reread my post, Kalleh; we agree.

Ah...sorry about that. I do think "bullying" implies a threat, though not everyone does. "Ramrodding" is a direct threat.

Depends on the receptivity of the ewe the ram is rodding, no?