Shakespeare’s Marc Antony was onto something when he referred to Brutus’s stab at Julius Caesar as the “most unkindest cut of all” – something that this New York City barber seems determined to avoid:
Nice to know the barber is kind.
I wasn’t able to determine what the gray tape covered. Perhaps it was “except when we’re annoyed” or another disclaimer? And is that where the little red dots come from – scissor stabs? Regardless, I do prefer “kind cuts” from my salon, and I’m sure you do also. I am a bit upset by the lack of apostrophes, which create a warning that “senior citizens cut” and doesn’t explain whether old people with scissors make “kind” or cruel stabs and slashes. No guarantees after 65, I guess. At least when “kids haircut,” the only possible victim is a tress.
I can’t leave this sign without asking whether anyone knows what a “tape-up” is. Maybe something to do with the duct tape near the top of the sign? Nor have I a clue about the definition of “skin fade.” I’ve seen odd (to me) stubble-on-a-scalp looks, but wouldn’t those be “hair fades”? And does “shape up” command you to finally get serious about dieting and exercise? Theories welcome.
Haha! Well I’m hazarding a guess here – I think the skin fade etc. etc. might pertain to certain looks worn by African-Americans. Now here’s another thought. Why “African-Americans”? Most black people (if not all) are *many* generations removed from Africa. I suggest, then, tongue only slightly in cheek, to equalize things we should *all* be hyphenated. Take me (please!) – I should be European-American. (My grandparents came to Canada in the early 20th century.) What about you?
Hi, Ellie. You’re probably right about the hairstyles. FYI: I do use the term “European American,” acknowledging my grandparents (both sides) who hailed from Croatia. One great-grandmother was from Ecuador. I also omit the hyphen, so that the first words (in our examples, “European” or “African”) modify “American” and increase importance. With the hyphen, these two aspects of identity have equal importance. To hyphenate or not, of course, is a personal decision based on one’s beliefs about identity. More on naming appears in this post: http://www.grammarianinthecity.com/?p=645.
I am not an expert on haircuts, not having had one in over two years, but I will certainly look for a kind cut when I get one. I also wonder if this barber only shaves royalty. How much business could that really bring in?
Well, presumably the royals shave early and often – all those photographers! I wish you a very kind cut.