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  3. Is it possible to be suave but not debonair and vice versa?

Is it possible to be suave but not debonair and vice versa?

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  • B Offline
    B Offline
    B Clay Shannon
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    I have always (with the exception of a certain brand of hair products) heard the word "suave" combined with "debonair" - never standalone (and vice versa). In the past it has been applied to men like Cary Grant ("Cary Grant is suave and debonair"); in modern times, two obvious candidates for such a description are Pierce Brosnan and, say, Ndamukong Suh. But I wonder: is it possible to be "suave" but not debonair? Debonair but not suave? If so, please give some examples. e.g., is Ted Nugent suave but not debonair? Is Barack Obama debonair but not suave? Would it, in fact -- since these two adjectives seem inseparably linked -- actually be a "backhanded compliment" to call someone "suave" OR "debonair" (not both)? IOW, would calling someone suave be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT debonair? Similarly, would calling someone debonair be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT suave?

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    • B B Clay Shannon

      I have always (with the exception of a certain brand of hair products) heard the word "suave" combined with "debonair" - never standalone (and vice versa). In the past it has been applied to men like Cary Grant ("Cary Grant is suave and debonair"); in modern times, two obvious candidates for such a description are Pierce Brosnan and, say, Ndamukong Suh. But I wonder: is it possible to be "suave" but not debonair? Debonair but not suave? If so, please give some examples. e.g., is Ted Nugent suave but not debonair? Is Barack Obama debonair but not suave? Would it, in fact -- since these two adjectives seem inseparably linked -- actually be a "backhanded compliment" to call someone "suave" OR "debonair" (not both)? IOW, would calling someone suave be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT debonair? Similarly, would calling someone debonair be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT suave?

      R Offline
      R Offline
      Rage
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      These are really challenging questions. What a time to be alive !

      ~RaGE();

      I think words like 'destiny' are a way of trying to find order where none exists. - Christian Graus Entropy isn't what it used to.

      J N 2 Replies Last reply
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      • B B Clay Shannon

        I have always (with the exception of a certain brand of hair products) heard the word "suave" combined with "debonair" - never standalone (and vice versa). In the past it has been applied to men like Cary Grant ("Cary Grant is suave and debonair"); in modern times, two obvious candidates for such a description are Pierce Brosnan and, say, Ndamukong Suh. But I wonder: is it possible to be "suave" but not debonair? Debonair but not suave? If so, please give some examples. e.g., is Ted Nugent suave but not debonair? Is Barack Obama debonair but not suave? Would it, in fact -- since these two adjectives seem inseparably linked -- actually be a "backhanded compliment" to call someone "suave" OR "debonair" (not both)? IOW, would calling someone suave be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT debonair? Similarly, would calling someone debonair be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT suave?

        L Offline
        L Offline
        Lost User
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        "De bon air" is heritage, according to the dictionary, where suave is someone who's a soft egg. They can be combined, but need not to.

        Bastard Programmer from Hell :suss: If you can't read my code, try converting it here[^]

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        • R Rage

          These are really challenging questions. What a time to be alive !

          ~RaGE();

          I think words like 'destiny' are a way of trying to find order where none exists. - Christian Graus Entropy isn't what it used to.

          J Offline
          J Offline
          Jeremy Falcon
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          Ha ha ha ha!!!

          Jeremy Falcon

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          • B B Clay Shannon

            I have always (with the exception of a certain brand of hair products) heard the word "suave" combined with "debonair" - never standalone (and vice versa). In the past it has been applied to men like Cary Grant ("Cary Grant is suave and debonair"); in modern times, two obvious candidates for such a description are Pierce Brosnan and, say, Ndamukong Suh. But I wonder: is it possible to be "suave" but not debonair? Debonair but not suave? If so, please give some examples. e.g., is Ted Nugent suave but not debonair? Is Barack Obama debonair but not suave? Would it, in fact -- since these two adjectives seem inseparably linked -- actually be a "backhanded compliment" to call someone "suave" OR "debonair" (not both)? IOW, would calling someone suave be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT debonair? Similarly, would calling someone debonair be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT suave?

            P Offline
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            PIEBALDconsult
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            Rico is only known to be suave.

            1 Reply Last reply
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            • B B Clay Shannon

              I have always (with the exception of a certain brand of hair products) heard the word "suave" combined with "debonair" - never standalone (and vice versa). In the past it has been applied to men like Cary Grant ("Cary Grant is suave and debonair"); in modern times, two obvious candidates for such a description are Pierce Brosnan and, say, Ndamukong Suh. But I wonder: is it possible to be "suave" but not debonair? Debonair but not suave? If so, please give some examples. e.g., is Ted Nugent suave but not debonair? Is Barack Obama debonair but not suave? Would it, in fact -- since these two adjectives seem inseparably linked -- actually be a "backhanded compliment" to call someone "suave" OR "debonair" (not both)? IOW, would calling someone suave be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT debonair? Similarly, would calling someone debonair be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT suave?

              D Offline
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              Duncan Edwards Jones
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              I'd say someone could be suave and working class (indeed that is my goal) but I think debonair requires family money.

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              • B B Clay Shannon

                I have always (with the exception of a certain brand of hair products) heard the word "suave" combined with "debonair" - never standalone (and vice versa). In the past it has been applied to men like Cary Grant ("Cary Grant is suave and debonair"); in modern times, two obvious candidates for such a description are Pierce Brosnan and, say, Ndamukong Suh. But I wonder: is it possible to be "suave" but not debonair? Debonair but not suave? If so, please give some examples. e.g., is Ted Nugent suave but not debonair? Is Barack Obama debonair but not suave? Would it, in fact -- since these two adjectives seem inseparably linked -- actually be a "backhanded compliment" to call someone "suave" OR "debonair" (not both)? IOW, would calling someone suave be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT debonair? Similarly, would calling someone debonair be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT suave?

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                P Offline
                PhilLenoir
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                I'd say almost synonyms, debonair applies more towards disposition, family and background and suave to communication, sensibilities and not wishing to offend. Sources: Debonair = of good family; Suave = sweet. Used together implies emphasis. Compare other terms like "fair and just" or "smart and wise" where the words may not quite mean the same thing but are frequently interchanged.

                Life is like a s**t sandwich; the more bread you have, the less s**t you eat.

                1 Reply Last reply
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                • B B Clay Shannon

                  I have always (with the exception of a certain brand of hair products) heard the word "suave" combined with "debonair" - never standalone (and vice versa). In the past it has been applied to men like Cary Grant ("Cary Grant is suave and debonair"); in modern times, two obvious candidates for such a description are Pierce Brosnan and, say, Ndamukong Suh. But I wonder: is it possible to be "suave" but not debonair? Debonair but not suave? If so, please give some examples. e.g., is Ted Nugent suave but not debonair? Is Barack Obama debonair but not suave? Would it, in fact -- since these two adjectives seem inseparably linked -- actually be a "backhanded compliment" to call someone "suave" OR "debonair" (not both)? IOW, would calling someone suave be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT debonair? Similarly, would calling someone debonair be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT suave?

                  L Offline
                  L Offline
                  Lost User
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  B. Clay Shannon wrote:

                  say, Ndamukong Suh.

                  I tried to but it sounded like I was speaking with a wasp in my mouth.

                  B 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • B B Clay Shannon

                    I have always (with the exception of a certain brand of hair products) heard the word "suave" combined with "debonair" - never standalone (and vice versa). In the past it has been applied to men like Cary Grant ("Cary Grant is suave and debonair"); in modern times, two obvious candidates for such a description are Pierce Brosnan and, say, Ndamukong Suh. But I wonder: is it possible to be "suave" but not debonair? Debonair but not suave? If so, please give some examples. e.g., is Ted Nugent suave but not debonair? Is Barack Obama debonair but not suave? Would it, in fact -- since these two adjectives seem inseparably linked -- actually be a "backhanded compliment" to call someone "suave" OR "debonair" (not both)? IOW, would calling someone suave be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT debonair? Similarly, would calling someone debonair be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT suave?

                    OriginalGriffO Offline
                    OriginalGriffO Offline
                    OriginalGriff
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    The Google definition,of suave, doe not mention debonair, except as a synonym:

                    suave
                    swɑːv/Submit
                    adjective
                    (especially of a man) charming, confident, and elegant.
                    "all the waiters were suave and deferential"
                    synonyms: charming, sophisticated, debonair, urbane, worldly, worldly-wise, polished, refined, poised, self-possessed, dignified, civilized, gentlemanly, gallant; More

                    So..."Cary Grant is suave and suave" basically. English! Tch! Who'd use it? :laugh:

                    Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay...

                    "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
                    "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

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                    • B B Clay Shannon

                      I have always (with the exception of a certain brand of hair products) heard the word "suave" combined with "debonair" - never standalone (and vice versa). In the past it has been applied to men like Cary Grant ("Cary Grant is suave and debonair"); in modern times, two obvious candidates for such a description are Pierce Brosnan and, say, Ndamukong Suh. But I wonder: is it possible to be "suave" but not debonair? Debonair but not suave? If so, please give some examples. e.g., is Ted Nugent suave but not debonair? Is Barack Obama debonair but not suave? Would it, in fact -- since these two adjectives seem inseparably linked -- actually be a "backhanded compliment" to call someone "suave" OR "debonair" (not both)? IOW, would calling someone suave be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT debonair? Similarly, would calling someone debonair be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT suave?

                      L Offline
                      L Offline
                      Lost User
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      B. Clay Shannon wrote:

                      I have always (with the exception of a certain brand of hair products) heard the word "suave" combined with "debonair" - never standalone (and vice versa).

                      PARKLIFE!

                      B. Clay Shannon wrote:

                      In the past it has been applied to men like Cary Grant ("Cary Grant is suave and debonair"); in modern times, two obvious candidates for such a description are Pierce Brosnan and, say, Ndamukong Suh.

                      PARKLIFE!

                      B. Clay Shannon wrote:

                      But I wonder: is it possible to be "suave" but not debonair? Debonair but not suave? If so, please give some examples. e.g., is Ted Nugent suave but not debonair? Is Barack Obama debonair but not suave?

                      PARKLIFE!

                      B. Clay Shannon wrote:

                      Would it, in fact -- since these two adjectives seem inseparably linked -- actually be a "backhanded compliment" to call someone "suave" OR "debonair" (not both)? IOW, would calling someone suave be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT debonair? Similarly, would calling someone debonair be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT suave?

                      Alllllllll the people, so many people and they all go hand in hand, round and round through their PARKLIFE.

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                      • L Lost User

                        B. Clay Shannon wrote:

                        say, Ndamukong Suh.

                        I tried to but it sounded like I was speaking with a wasp in my mouth.

                        B Offline
                        B Offline
                        B Clay Shannon
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        You might try my approach: I pronounce his name "Donkey-Kong Sioux" Then again, I am a Green Bay Packers fan, and he once stomped on one of "my guys" (the infamous "DonkeyKong Stomp" incident involving a cat from the town where I work (Salinas), also the hometown of the late great John Steinbeck). I, myself, am in danger of being termed neither suave nor debonair.

                        L 1 Reply Last reply
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                        • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                          The Google definition,of suave, doe not mention debonair, except as a synonym:

                          suave
                          swɑːv/Submit
                          adjective
                          (especially of a man) charming, confident, and elegant.
                          "all the waiters were suave and deferential"
                          synonyms: charming, sophisticated, debonair, urbane, worldly, worldly-wise, polished, refined, poised, self-possessed, dignified, civilized, gentlemanly, gallant; More

                          So..."Cary Grant is suave and suave" basically. English! Tch! Who'd use it? :laugh:

                          Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay...

                          P Offline
                          P Offline
                          PhilLenoir
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          For a laugh I thought I'd put suave and debonair through an English to Welsh translator: Suave a debonair! Obviously not too much demand for the words in the valleys. Isn't it rare for the Welsh to be shorter than the English?

                          Life is like a s**t sandwich; the more bread you have, the less s**t you eat.

                          OriginalGriffO 1 Reply Last reply
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                          • P PhilLenoir

                            For a laugh I thought I'd put suave and debonair through an English to Welsh translator: Suave a debonair! Obviously not too much demand for the words in the valleys. Isn't it rare for the Welsh to be shorter than the English?

                            Life is like a s**t sandwich; the more bread you have, the less s**t you eat.

                            OriginalGriffO Offline
                            OriginalGriffO Offline
                            OriginalGriff
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            PhilLenoir wrote:

                            Isn't it rare for the Welsh to be shorter than the English?

                            No, you have to remember that Welsh is just English spelled by a six year old, possibly with a bad cold:

                            Hospital: Ysboty (Pronounced eh-spotty)
                            School: Ysgol (Pronounced eh-scool)
                            Taxi: Tacsi
                            Microwave oven: Popty Ping
                            Carrots: Moron (We aren't big on veg.)
                            Nothing: Dim
                            Dough: Toes

                            :laugh:

                            Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay...

                            "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
                            "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

                            P 1 Reply Last reply
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                            • B B Clay Shannon

                              You might try my approach: I pronounce his name "Donkey-Kong Sioux" Then again, I am a Green Bay Packers fan, and he once stomped on one of "my guys" (the infamous "DonkeyKong Stomp" incident involving a cat from the town where I work (Salinas), also the hometown of the late great John Steinbeck). I, myself, am in danger of being termed neither suave nor debonair.

                              L Offline
                              L Offline
                              Lost User
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              Had never heard of him.....but I just googled and as it happens I'm getting into NFL at the moment so I will keep an eye out for him.

                              1 Reply Last reply
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                              • B B Clay Shannon

                                I have always (with the exception of a certain brand of hair products) heard the word "suave" combined with "debonair" - never standalone (and vice versa). In the past it has been applied to men like Cary Grant ("Cary Grant is suave and debonair"); in modern times, two obvious candidates for such a description are Pierce Brosnan and, say, Ndamukong Suh. But I wonder: is it possible to be "suave" but not debonair? Debonair but not suave? If so, please give some examples. e.g., is Ted Nugent suave but not debonair? Is Barack Obama debonair but not suave? Would it, in fact -- since these two adjectives seem inseparably linked -- actually be a "backhanded compliment" to call someone "suave" OR "debonair" (not both)? IOW, would calling someone suave be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT debonair? Similarly, would calling someone debonair be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT suave?

                                S Offline
                                S Offline
                                Slacker007
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                I am unable to answer these questions for fear of losing my man card. Sorry. By the way, O is a communist and Nugent is a psycho retard.

                                B P 3 Replies Last reply
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                                • S Slacker007

                                  I am unable to answer these questions for fear of losing my man card. Sorry. By the way, O is a communist and Nugent is a psycho retard.

                                  B Offline
                                  B Offline
                                  B Clay Shannon
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  I tend to agree with your assessment of Nugent, although I really like some of his music (especially his eponymous offering from the 70s). I can separate the [mad]man from the music.

                                  S 1 Reply Last reply
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                                  • B B Clay Shannon

                                    I have always (with the exception of a certain brand of hair products) heard the word "suave" combined with "debonair" - never standalone (and vice versa). In the past it has been applied to men like Cary Grant ("Cary Grant is suave and debonair"); in modern times, two obvious candidates for such a description are Pierce Brosnan and, say, Ndamukong Suh. But I wonder: is it possible to be "suave" but not debonair? Debonair but not suave? If so, please give some examples. e.g., is Ted Nugent suave but not debonair? Is Barack Obama debonair but not suave? Would it, in fact -- since these two adjectives seem inseparably linked -- actually be a "backhanded compliment" to call someone "suave" OR "debonair" (not both)? IOW, would calling someone suave be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT debonair? Similarly, would calling someone debonair be tantamount to saying they are decidedly NOT suave?

                                    M Offline
                                    M Offline
                                    Mark_Wallace
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #17

                                    They're not synonyms. i.e. I'm happy to drink soave, but dubonnet is for girls.

                                    I wanna be a eunuchs developer! Pass me a bread knife!

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                                    • B B Clay Shannon

                                      I tend to agree with your assessment of Nugent, although I really like some of his music (especially his eponymous offering from the 70s). I can separate the [mad]man from the music.

                                      S Offline
                                      S Offline
                                      Slacker007
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #18

                                      Yeah, there has to be a separation from the music, I agree.

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                                      • S Slacker007

                                        I am unable to answer these questions for fear of losing my man card. Sorry. By the way, O is a communist and Nugent is a psycho retard.

                                        B Offline
                                        B Offline
                                        B Clay Shannon
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #19

                                        As for Obama, I see him as George Bush with a better tan.

                                        B N 2 Replies Last reply
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                                        • S Slacker007

                                          I am unable to answer these questions for fear of losing my man card. Sorry. By the way, O is a communist and Nugent is a psycho retard.

                                          P Offline
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                                          Pete OHanlon
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #20

                                          I liked Nugent in his Damn Yankees[^] phase. He certainly knows how to write a hook.

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