“DON'T PASS OUT; BUT PASS
It was 11.00 at night. After
my wife told me to wait for ‘a little extra time’, I enjoyed a nap. I felt like
half dreaming and half conscious in the air conditioned mall in our town.
I could hear some conversations
and scattered voices. The one, which brought out of my happy dreaming, was a
voice proudly saying “....in 1964, I PASSED OUT OF MY COLLEGE with flying
colors as a gold medalist...” He was beaming with pride at the person next to
him and I looked at the victim who might have been bearing this nonstop
boasting for quite a long time. He appeared resigned. He was not at all bothered
about what the fellow was rattling on. But his tired eyes were searching for
somebody...might be his wife. I looked at him with all kindness and pity. Let
us pray that his wife and mine would appear soon from their buying spree. Now
shall we discuss about: pass out?
PASSED OUT...? Is it correct?
NO. It is wrong.
PASS OUT means ‘GOING
UNCONSCIOUS” or ‘FAINTING’.
When you pass a course “I
passed the examination” or “I GRADUATED” is completely okay.
“I PASSED THE FINAL SEMESTER
SUCCESSFULLY.” Correct.
But, don’t use ‘pass out’.
Meanwhile somebody shouted. “Oh...
look at him. He passed out. Bring some water...give space and air”
I saw our nonstop boasting
friend fainting. Somebody loosened his shirts. Within minutes of help he gained
normal consciousness. He started again to sing his own praises, but in a feeble
voice “Last year also I fainted in the same place.....” and suddenly he
stopped. His wife was staring at him in anger and the newly acquainted friend
was hurrying out!
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