clever expressions

[trochee]

I was reading an Iain M. Banks novel the other day, and I came across this argument between two non-human characters. One character complains that humans are terribly irrational: having expended huge resources to build a safe habitat, why would they then go sky-diving or whitewater rafting?
The other responds "I think this is a little like criticizing a man for owning both an umbrella and a shower."

I like this expression, and it feels to me like a twentieth-century bon mot (despite its implausibility as a rhetorical device used between a silicate pyramid and a predatory triped). Does anyone recognize it?

Comments

[q-pheevr.livejournal.com]

But "good word" wouldn't mean the same thing that bon mot means in English. English has been pilfering words and expressions from French for centuries, and it quite consistently puts them to new use; there would be no point in using them if they meant the same thing as their literal counterparts.

[boobirdsfly.livejournal.com]

well ok. but bon mot sounds just wrong to me.
It doesn't sound right, sorry.

[q-pheevr.livejournal.com]

Well, I have to admit I sorta feel the same way when I hear the word smoking used in French to refer to an article of clothing.... But conquests are much more annoying. :-)

[boobirdsfly.livejournal.com]

Heh heh, i hate the word smoking used in French too !
Costard is a way better word to use !
:)