Search found 1953 matches

by gailr
Fri Aug 09, 2013 9:54 pm
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: History
Replies: 13
Views: 16838

Re: History

Does your local library have a historian, or are they in touch with a local historian? These stories need to be recorded for those who have no idea that everyone has reason to fear institutionalized bullies.
by gailr
Fri Aug 09, 2013 9:47 pm
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Buttdial
Replies: 20
Views: 23821

Re: Buttdial

If it was a "smart phone" it might have been self aware enough to be singing along... :wink:
by gailr
Tue Aug 06, 2013 8:04 pm
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: TOWHEAD
Replies: 15
Views: 18837

Re: TOWHEAD

Sometimes a shield is an offensive weapon - used for punches. Enough punches might reduce the opponent to separated fibers through pounding...
by gailr
Mon Aug 05, 2013 10:20 pm
Forum: Idioms
Topic: Go Up On Your Lines
Replies: 7
Views: 38119

Re: Go Up On Your Lines

There are superstitious practices in any group that help bond the members in a common experience, regardless of relevance outside the group. Other examples: athletes or fans who wear 'lucky' (e.g.: unwashed!) garments to continue a winning streak; nurses who won't mention the fly on the ward, tie kn...
by gailr
Mon Aug 05, 2013 9:39 pm
Forum: Good Word Suggestions
Topic: Schmooze
Replies: 4
Views: 7747

Re: Schmooze

Some people expect to be schmoozed as evidence of 'exceptional customer service'. The more staff they can divert from other tasks (and other clients) to engage in leisurely conversation -- especially when it is obvious that a line is developing and the phones are ringing off the hooks -- the more im...
by gailr
Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:40 pm
Forum: Idioms
Topic: taking the mickey out
Replies: 14
Views: 65885

Re: taking the mickey out

I thought it a fine book; it's in my library. Then again, I have a SIL who refers to herself, steadfastly, as "white trash" even though they have a very comfortable life. I think she's thumbing her nose* at equally comfortable neighbors who shudder at the thought of the unwashed masses. Wh...
by gailr
Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:31 pm
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Effable
Replies: 18
Views: 33955

Re: EFFABLE

This word stretches from the sublime to the silly.

Shrinklits: Seventy of the World's Towering Classics Cut Down to Size includes a summary of Lolita. It includes the line, "She was ineffable and yet, as effable as she could get."
by gailr
Wed Jul 31, 2013 9:33 pm
Forum: Idioms
Topic: taking the mickey out
Replies: 14
Views: 65885

Re: taking the mickey out

^ Perry, that's why I chose that example... It is best to understand the words one uses, and hope that one's culture is generally educated enough to share that understanding. The larger and more diverse the population, the more likely that surprises will crop up over very different associations with...
by gailr
Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:57 pm
Forum: Languages of the World
Topic: How Do You Count?
Replies: 2
Views: 23101

Re: How Do You Count?

Quite an interesting read, Slava.
by gailr
Wed Jul 31, 2013 3:13 am
Forum: Idioms
Topic: taking the mickey out
Replies: 14
Views: 65885

Re: taking the mickey out

I can see a possible pejorative undercurrent, considering the long history of friction between the British and the Irish. However, none of the instances I have seen (over several years and from more than one country) of "taking the mickey out of X " were referent to Irish individuals, grou...
by gailr
Mon Jul 29, 2013 2:22 pm
Forum: Good Word Suggestions
Topic: Percribrate
Replies: 14
Views: 18307

Re: Percribrate

It is hard to take Pastafarians seriously. But we do have freedom of religion in the USA.
Then you are in good company. I would be concerned if I thought my fellow Pastafarians took seriously anything other than the value of a good education -- and that is the whole point.
by gailr
Sat Jul 27, 2013 1:53 pm
Forum: Good Word Suggestions
Topic: Percribrate
Replies: 14
Views: 18307

Re: Percribrate

There are no clerical ranks, except for those chosen for internet usernames. A few pastafarians have worn colanders for driver's licenses; however earnestly they declare themselves to the local governing board, this is taking the mickey out of exemptions for religious headgear in ID photos. All the ...
by gailr
Fri Jul 26, 2013 8:57 pm
Forum: Good Word Suggestions
Topic: Percribrate
Replies: 14
Views: 18307

Re: Percribrate

Thank you, Grogie!
I shall take this word unto my fellow Pastafarians. :wink:
by gailr
Fri Jul 26, 2013 8:49 pm
Forum: Good Word Suggestions
Topic: Doughty
Replies: 2
Views: 4892

Re: Doughty

We have beat him to his camp: run one before, And let the queen know of our gests. To-morrow, Before the sun shall see 's, we'll spill the blood That has to-day escaped. I thank you all; For doughty-handed are you, and have fought Not as you served the cause, but as 't had been Each man's like mine...
by gailr
Thu Jul 25, 2013 8:38 pm
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Peeve
Replies: 8
Views: 9951

Re: Peeve

I am quite certain that the contexts in which I have seen rain of terror do not indicate subtle minds making sociological or theological puns. Just saying...

Card before the horse used by people who have had little or no contact with horses, let alone carts.

:wink:

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