September 4, 2008
from the comments
Amos:
I believe one possible interpretation could be suave-by-proxy, in much the same way as Ms. Palin is learned in foreign policy via her home states proximity to Russia.
Let’s take the first part of the license plate - SUAVE - which is an unmistakable declaration that something is suave. The second piece of the puzzle reveals what the adjective is modifying - 73, which we could assume, but don’t need to as we are told, is the year the car was made, 1973.
Thus, his license plate could be read as declaring his car is suave, but, and here is the by-proxy piece, a suave car doesn’t drive itself. It takes a suave eye to choose a suave car. He is, in effect, suave himself because of his judicious choice in automobiles.
All this assumes other people realize his car is a 1973 Monte Carlo, as opposed to another year. I’d submit most people would not know the car was made in 1973, or even that it is a Monte Carlo, unless the model is prominently displayed. Assuming it is not prominently displayed, then most people probably see the license plate and think “douche.” The implied message, whatever it may be, is sadly lost in translation.
Of course, if Olly is correct and Michael is just asking for “a friend” then I’d say this license plate speaks highly of the owner. I and my car are suave. It’s a bold choice of plate. As one of the Bibles tells us, “No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.”
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I must point out that I am in no way confident enough to drive the car in question.