Everyone piles on after Donald Trump implies someone named “Scott Free” is out to get him
Most people are familiar with the phrase scot-free. Not everyone knows about its Scottish etymology, or even how to correctly spell it, but everyone knows that “Scott Free” isn’t a person. Then there’s Donald Trump, whose raging Twitter meltdown today was so far over the top, some people came away wondering if Trump might truly think “Scott Free” is a person who has gotten away with some very bad things, and may be out to get him.
For reference, here’s part of Donald Trump’s lengthy attack on Michael Cohen: “He makes up stories to get a GREAT & ALREADY reduced deal for himself, and get his wife and father-in-law (who has the money?) off Scott Free. He lied for this outcome and should, in my opinion, serve a full and complete sentence.” While Trump does have a history of improperly capitalizing words for no particular reason, it’s worth pointing out that “Scott” and “Free” are the only two such words in this rant. It didn’t go unnoticed.
Merriam-Webster, the famous dictionary company, was quick to use its official Twitter account to make fun of Donald Trump:
‘Scot-free’: completely free from obligation, harm, or penalty
‘Scott Free’: some guy, probably
Numerous people pointed to the DC Comics superhero Mister Miracle, who involved the name Scott Free. Others posted quips like “I’m Scott Free, and I did not approve this message” and “Who is Scott Free? Is this another one of your pseudonyms?” In any case, Donald Trump’s dishonest (and illegal) tweet has left us to conclude that perhaps Michael Cohen should get off scot-free.
