Depends if you’re reading it literally (nothing in that lunch but pudding, therefore you got “just desserts”) or the metaphorical phrase that means “what you deserve”.
Interesting. I too was about to comment on the mis-spelling, because I believed it to be “desserts” for both meanings of the pun. However, after seeing the other comments here, a little quick googling shows that both are considered correct today, but the original spelling was indeed “deserts” – an archaic term meaning “that which one deserves”. Because the term is no longer in common use, it’s frequently spelled as ‘desserts’ nowadays, which matches the pronunciation though not the original meaning. I have been edumacated!
I wouldn’t say that the spelling matches the pronunciation; it just matches the other word that’s also pronounced weird! (Seriously, is there any other word in which a double ‘s’ is pronounced /z/?)
Fourth panel: kid on the left threatens to build a wall, questions the kid on the right’s birth certificate, pays off legal fees with foundation money, and calls the other kids losers and pussies. Which isn’t really a metaphor, but stuff Trump actually did.
Either spelling is correct — however, the spelling employed — desserts or deserts — changes the thrust of the pun. Untll the intended meaning is unpacked, the word is 50% misspelled and 50% correct.
Well, I think where this was heading is that protectionism in the United States refers to protectionist economic policy that erected tariff and other barriers to trade with other nations. This policy was most prevalent in the 19th century. It attempted to restrain imports to protect Northern industries. It was opposed by Southern states that wanted free trade to expand cotton and other agricultural exports.(How’s that for messing with what’s supposed to be a comic strip?)
Packratjohn Premium Member over 7 years ago
“Just deserts”? I live in Nevada, and I’m surrounded by “just deserts”..
I think you meant “desserts”….
astutepanther Premium Member over 7 years ago
Oooh, I look forward to all the people who will correct your spelling of “deserts” as if it’s wrong. Oh look—it’s already started!
NeedaChuckle Premium Member over 7 years ago
It is a kid, he doesn’t know the correct spelling yet.
dadoctah over 7 years ago
Depends if you’re reading it literally (nothing in that lunch but pudding, therefore you got “just desserts”) or the metaphorical phrase that means “what you deserve”.
Kip W over 7 years ago
Well, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
heather dunham over 7 years ago
Interesting. I too was about to comment on the mis-spelling, because I believed it to be “desserts” for both meanings of the pun. However, after seeing the other comments here, a little quick googling shows that both are considered correct today, but the original spelling was indeed “deserts” – an archaic term meaning “that which one deserves”. Because the term is no longer in common use, it’s frequently spelled as ‘desserts’ nowadays, which matches the pronunciation though not the original meaning. I have been edumacated!
tobybartels over 7 years ago
I wouldn’t say that the spelling matches the pronunciation; it just matches the other word that’s also pronounced weird! (Seriously, is there any other word in which a double ‘s’ is pronounced /z/?)
tim.lowell over 7 years ago
Fourth panel: kid on the left threatens to build a wall, questions the kid on the right’s birth certificate, pays off legal fees with foundation money, and calls the other kids losers and pussies. Which isn’t really a metaphor, but stuff Trump actually did.
Packratjohn Premium Member over 7 years ago
I took it literally, that the kid has no “entrée” (meaning PB&J), only “desserts”. As they say, whoever “they” are, life is short, eat dessert first.
Malcolm Hall over 7 years ago
Either spelling is correct — however, the spelling employed — desserts or deserts — changes the thrust of the pun. Untll the intended meaning is unpacked, the word is 50% misspelled and 50% correct.
Ushindi over 7 years ago
Well, I think where this was heading is that protectionism in the United States refers to protectionist economic policy that erected tariff and other barriers to trade with other nations. This policy was most prevalent in the 19th century. It attempted to restrain imports to protect Northern industries. It was opposed by Southern states that wanted free trade to expand cotton and other agricultural exports.(How’s that for messing with what’s supposed to be a comic strip?)