what exactly is a "tragedy of the first proportion"

[shugah]

with all changes to our living language, i sometimes avert my listening ears - just to try to adjust better to the changes. "tragedy of the first proportion" is new to me. i do not know what it means. is there something about proportions that can put one ahead of the other - make it first?

[tabatha]

1. I think it is a mixed metaphor

It is either first degree or highest proportion.

[shugah]

5. cool! i understand either of those!

i am struggling with what mr. barton meant. your explanation makes some sense.

[shugah]

2. proportions are about comparative relations

i think mr. barton may be a moran. a looser, even.

[Ken Burch]

3. I thing "a tragedy of the first water" would've been more fitting.

n/t.

[DJ13]

4. Sometimes our language seems like rocket surgery to me

[shugah]

6. brain science!

how do you spell phonetic phonetically? ,-)

i do love our english language, tho. i just wish the elected reps of we the people could speak it more betterer :-)

[awoke_in_2003]

7. and why is...

"abbreviated" such a long word?

[ladjf]

8. He was making up phrases. nt