Question of the Day #1119

When asexual activist David Jay went on the Montel Williams Show in 2007 to explain his lack of sexual attraction, he was given the third degree.

From the 1st paragraph of this article at The Daily Beast.

  上記の文で、the third degreeの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "the third degree" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

1. 〔やけどの程度の〕第三度◆皮膚の下部組織に影響する重症
2. 〈主に米〉〔犯罪の〕第3級
3. 〈米〉〔警察が容疑者などに行う〕厳しい尋問［取り調べ］

問題文の適訳は、3番です。なお、このように「厳しい尋問」として使用する場合、基本的にtheを付けます。
上記の使い方のほかに、血縁関係の「三親等」(third degree of consanguinity/affinity) にも使います。


 

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

1.              
                
   1. the subjection of a prisoner to mental or physical torture to extract a confession
                
   2. a long and intense period of questioning
                    -> usually used with the
                
2. the level of a crime that is less than second degree and warrants less severe punishment

 

Examples

1. My mother put me through the third degree. Questions—questions—questions. She's driving me nuts! — Judy Blume
2. Should anyone give you the third degree on your return to work, don't hesitate to become indignant and stomp out of the room. — Jeff Foxworthy
3. Spike circled back around and proceeded to give me the third degree. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, 1 Mar. 2021
4. Following the game, the Celtics got the third degree about their third-quarter issues. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 6 June 2022
5. I got the third degree when I got home last night.

   

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