Words, words, words
Some would-be genii will tell you – without being asked – that the plural of octopus is octopi and the plural of omnibus is omnibi and, for that matter, the plural of hocus-pocus (why do you even need one) is … Continue reading →
If someone tells a funny joke, do you chuckle? Do you giggle? Do you yuk it up? (I won’t ask whether you yuck it up, because that spelling can also refer to something… unpleasant.) What if I told you that … Continue reading →
As I was chatting with Timmy Danos and Donna Ferrante (see my word tasting notes on free rein and horse idioms), Maury at last appeared, holding a Bellini. “Where have you been?” I said. “Sorry,” Maury said. “I was making … Continue reading →
“I guess I availed myself of some free rain with those horse words,” Timmy Danos said, chuckling a little. Since he was speaking, I didn’t notice his spelling. He had circled to the bar to get himself another drink, and … Continue reading →
It was the trial membership open house for the Order of Logogustation, and I was circulating, doing my best impression of an extravert to welcome prospective members. As I neared a man and a woman, I heard them talking about … Continue reading →
Mimeograph is a word of memories, although of course that’s relative. Most people born after about 1980 probably don’t remember mimeographs at all. For me, though, there’s a family connection. Long ago when I was very young (I’ll just say I … Continue reading →
“It’s the penultimate experience.” Wow. So that’s, like, the pinnacle of the ultimate, right? Sure seems like it to many people penning pieces about all-time bests. And, you know, I can understand the impression driving it: longer means more important. … Continue reading →
One block from the front door of the building I have lived in for a quarter of a century is a little trapezoid of urban delight called Berczy Park. It is best known for its whimsical fountain with statues of … Continue reading →
Who doesn’t like lavish things? Lavish parties, lavish gifts, lavish spending, lavish praise, a lavish lifestyle – to run through the most common words that come after lavish? Or a lavish spread, a lavish banquet, lavish accommodations, lavish dinners, lavish … Continue reading →
Ugh, we were seated in a restaurant last week right next to a table with a family with three kids who were snorking and snotting. One was less than a metre from me. Just what I wanted: to catch a … Continue reading →