I'm sorry, I got derailed from being grossed out by roaches by the stellar "As both a lobster and roach lover I can give you a reasonably authoritative answer."

The intent was clearly

A: As both [[a lobster] and [roach]] lover ...
RNR ⇒ As both [a lobster lover] and [(a) roach lover] ...

but I heard:

B: As both a [lobster] and [roach lover] ...

If I've been reading enough Language log, this is right node raising, a coordination of the form [A B C] and [D E C] ⇒ [[[A B] and [D E]] C], as in the zeugma

My daughter and my money go to Cornell University
RNR ⇒ My daughter goes to Cornell University and my money goes to Cornell University

Googling {"as both a * and * lover"}

• A: "As both [[[a coffee] and [(a) chocolate]]] lover, I savored the smooth blending of these ingredients with vodka."
• B: "And intimacy with his subject -- as both [a fashion photographer] and [Mr. Mizrahi's former lover] -- only heightens Mr. Keeve's acuity rather than compromising his perspective"

Googling {"as both a * and * owner"} gives a lot more B (non-coordinate).

• B: "Bobby has also been a great ambassador for Miller Lite, as both a driver and team owner." (one of several 'driver and team|car owner' hits)

So I think the problem here is that the noun "lobster" ends in the same -er as "lover", making me place them in parallel. Was anyone else tripped up? 

posted by mrflip at 06:58AM CST on July 09

Sounds like the Oxford comma! Not really but I felt like linking it anyway. 

posted by natedogg at 01:09PM CST on July 09

Who gives a f*** about an oxford comma? 

posted by NanoCindy at 02:20PM CST on July 09

Did I mention they're playing ACL fest? And that you should pick up tix? 

posted by mrflip at 10:58PM CST on July 09