Lenny Domnitser’s
domnit.org

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explicit

This is a static archive of the domnit.org blog,
which Lenny Domnitser wrote between 2006 and 2009.

Drink XOR Drive

Via my bro, who was in England recently: there’s a Drink OR Drive campaign there.

Of course, Drink OR Drive, means you may also Drink AND Drive. In their attempt to sound hip, they must have misspelled Drink XOR Drive.

Drink XOR Drive, though, still is wrong, since it means (Drink AND do NOT Drive) OR (Drive AND do NOT Drink), which means you can’t Stay Sober AND Use Public Transportation.

What makes the most sense is do NOT (Drink AND Drive).

Here in the states we say do NOT Drink and Drive (”Don’t drink and drive”), which doesn’t give you any options, but definitely means you’re not drunk at the wheel. The American message might be a case of misplaced parentheses, or it might be a comment on our car culture.