In a NYT article today regarding Condoleeza Rice's damage control of an alleged raping of a Japanese girl by a US Marine, she is quoted as saying, "Our concern right now is to see that justice is done, to get to the bottom of it, and our concern is for the girl and her family. We really, really deeply regret it.”
The newsworthy point from the NYT perspective is the rape accusation, and I think rape is among the most heinous crimes and should carry the harshest penalties. But what is newsworthy to me about this news item is the reallys. You know where I'm going, but let's play it in slow motion.
Regret. Sincere regret is a nice sentiment to express and clearly indicates the speaker's feelings.
Deep regret. Deep is a meaningful modifier, indicating more than just your everyday regret. What happened must have been pretty awful.
Really deep regret. Well, shit, this regret is more serious than we thought. More than just deep? This person's regret must be interfering with daily life.
Really really deep regret. Goddam. This person can probably barely walk for all the regret they're feeling. I'm starting to feel bad for them!
Condie stopped at 2 reallys, which is a tremendous display of moderation. One more really and we might have had to forgive her for doing that bullshit she's regretting in the first place.
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