I tried to think of a good third example but the top of my head is empty.
I used the first one in an email to an old friend recently and my husband had a fit, telling me that to him it meant I was counting the time until I could get out. To me it has always meant something ongoing, and counting meaning the number used isn’t the final one. So, how do you see it?
Now I’m not going to go running to him to gloat if people agree with me, but I would like to know if I’m the weird one here or if he is. So tell me what you think when you hear that expression. Please.
I’ve always heard/read it as following the original sequence.
Gained two papers towards my diploma - and counting (increasing)
Lost 17 pounds - and counting (decreasing)
Your example of ‘27 years and counting’ would strike me as automatically meaning the marriage would continue for as long as you could keep counting the years.
Perhaps it’s a regional thing, I’ve often heard it either way. It does usually have a positive connotation. How about ‘10 days till my vacation - and counting’?
Well, actually, years ago that might have worked. I wasn’t the last one. Although I think my parents were hoping I would be, so maybe that wasn’t the right way to look at it.
It was, a bit, but he’s not the most secure of men. I’ve never given him any reason not to be, but it’s just the way he is, I guess. And it did come during a week when there were several other things that made him feel left out and such. It’s rough on him, living away from home for work right now.
I keep picturing that brainless automoton in ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ quoting the countdown into the intercom as attack helocpters blast the derrick with missiles and machinegun fire. (Its right about the time that Blofeld issues the order to “Prepare my Batho-Sphere”.)
As long as you can keep your husband out of the seat of an attack helo, you should be OK…