I'm a not native speaker, and I don't get it
2007-07-10 07:09:00 · 7 answers · asked by deamonMx123 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
It is a joke usually used in the office environment. The leaders of corporations are always trying to boost morale, as they believe it increases productivity. The joke is that harsh treatment from management in an exaggerated form is like "beatings". This implies that companies act like they want their workers to be happy but inflict punishment upon these workers for not being happy.
2007-07-10 07:16:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
The expression is attributed to Captain Bligh of the stricken HMS Bounty, against whom the mutineers revolted,
While flogging sailors for small misdemeanours, he is said to have declared: "The beatings will continue until morale improves."
2015-06-24 09:28:29 · answer #2 · answered by geraldine 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is an Olde English saying Navy boat Captains used in the 1600 and 1700 and 1800's. They were sadistic.
2015-05-05 13:14:52 · answer #3 · answered by R 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
From watching "Full Metal Jacket" I KNOW that Captain Hartman thought that way.
From Being a Medical Student, then Resident I know Hospitals also think that way.
2015-11-08 05:50:32 · answer #4 · answered by toephooman 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It means two things: 1) Beatings and punishment from those in power will never bring about the improvements they want. 2) Those in power don t know that beatings and punishment will never make things better, so they will keep using them again and again and again forever.
2015-10-29 19:14:59 · answer #5 · answered by Thomas 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a joke, a paradox... it's a contradictory statement. Morale cannot improve if you are being beaten. It's a joke that I have seen on shirts. It isn't to be taken seriously.
2007-07-10 07:15:14 · answer #6 · answered by Reece Judicata 3 · 6⤊ 2⤋
In the simplest way:
"We (I) will keep beating you up,
until you start acting better (to our expectations)"
Beating is quite a tough way to improve morale...
2007-07-10 18:27:14 · answer #7 · answered by russiancatsima 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It comes from boats, you are stuck in the situation, on the boat far from the shore, you have less civil rights than a dog. It means the boss can have any approach he wants, you got to live with it cheerfully.
2014-11-18 13:31:47 · answer #8 · answered by doctormcgoveran 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it means that the end of the world will keep on coming closer unless we can get the whole world to act alot better.
2007-07-10 07:13:03 · answer #9 · answered by lacy 1 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋