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not have a point in

English translation: ... tes notes sont zéro partout ...

20:03 Nov 9, 2017
English language (monolingual) [Non-PRO]
Art/Literary - General / Conversation / Greetings / Letters
English term or phrase: not have a point in
Hi everyone!

The case I'm writing below is from an American novel about a group of black students at a black university back in the 1960s in the US.

There is a conversation of three people: two grown-ups and an undergraduate, who is a student leader. The student leader (Earl) takes his responsibilities seriously, and he faces expulsion because of his conflict with the college administration. The grown-ups (Zeke and Mrs. Gilliam) care about him. They try to talk him out of his leadership position. Zeke tells him to mind his own business, to pursue his own interests. Mrs. Gilliam agrees and says:

"‘I agree. How’re your grades? I bet you don’t have a point in none of ’um. When was the las’ time you wrote yo’ mother? I bet she don’t know nothin’ ’bout this foolishness." [Foolishness is Earl's insistence on defending students' rights against the administration.]

I'm not really sure how to understand the "point" above. What does it mean "not having a point in (none of) one's grades?"

Thanks.
vitaminBcomplex
Local time: 14:45
Selected answer:... tes notes sont zéro partout ...
Explanation:
it's the most literally about having [or not having any] "points" used to grade student's success.

I bet you don’t have a point in none of ’um (of your grades)
=>
you have neglected your studies to the point that your exam results are zero - no points (no credits in today's system)
Selected response from:

Daryo
United Kingdom
Local time: 12:45
Grading comment
Thank you very much!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED
4 +3... tes notes sont zéro partout ...
Daryo


Discussion entries: 8





  

Answers


8 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +3
I bet you don’t have a point in none of ’um (of your grades)
... tes notes sont zéro partout ...


Explanation:
it's the most literally about having [or not having any] "points" used to grade student's success.

I bet you don’t have a point in none of ’um (of your grades)
=>
you have neglected your studies to the point that your exam results are zero - no points (no credits in today's system)

Daryo
United Kingdom
Local time: 12:45
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in SerbianSerbian, Native in FrenchFrench
PRO pts in category: 8
Grading comment
Thank you very much!

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Tony M
2 hrs
  -> Thanks!
agree  katsy: though the question is actually Eng. - Eng.//oh absolutely, so no problem really.... happens to us all I think from time to time!
9 hrs
  -> oops, you're right - I missed that "detail"! But the explanation is still in English ...
agree  Tina Vonhof (X): Point or credit.
10 hrs
  -> Thanks!
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