A man was sued1 by a woman for defamation2 of character. She charged that he had called her a pig.
The man was found guilty and fined. After the trial he asked the judge, This means that I cannot call Mrs. Johnson a pig?
The judge said that was true.
Does this mean I cannot call a pig Mrs. Johnson? the man asked.
The judge replied that he could indeed call a pig Mrs. Johnson with no fear of legal action.
The man looked directly at Mrs. Johnson and said, Good afternoon, Mrs. Johnson.