"Damp Squib"?

by **Stargzer** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 1:45 pm

Cacasenno wrote: ... Castagnole (plural) were also used placed on top of railtracks to warn trains of impending dangers.

In English they are known as torpedos

by **sluggo** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 7:34 pm

I've been on an Amazon spree lately (the books, not so much the women) and came across this title on modern vernacular, reminiscent of this topic.

Wondered if anyone had read it :?:

by **Slava** » Tue Feb 02, 2010 9:10 pm

Never heard of it, but that's no surprise. Catchy title, though.

by **LukeJavan8** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 6:58 pm

"catchy phrases that people hate" , says one reviewer.
One phrase used by all the meterologists here on all
TV stations locally, that just gets to me is
"in our neck of the woods", referring, of course, to
what the weather is locally. But, golly day, there must
be another phrase they could us: a real damp squib.

by **sluggo** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 9:52 pm

At first glance the book's title seems to imply a study of malapropisms or parodies, as the definition of the original phrase was a "dud" or something that didn't live up to expected potential.

But I've gone ahead and ordered the book and will report back here whether it's a damp squib or goes off with a bang, whatever its thrust might be.

by **LukeJavan8** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 2:09 pm

I for one will be looking forward to your report.
Carry on !.

by **skinem** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 11:56 am

Well, at the end of the day in my neck of the woods the bottom line is that it's not rocket science.

I think I'll order the book as well...

by **LukeJavan8** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 12:26 pm

Rocket science is way above me, I'll wait for you to
"translate". I am not into 'brain surgery" either.
Have trouble making ball point pens work.

by **sluggo** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 3:50 pm

Well the early report on Damp Squid is not great. After about a third through the book it's fairly good insomnia medicine but not worth much else. Seems to be written on too much an beginner level with its "what is a word" elementals.

Maybe good for somebody looking into English for the first time but once you've done that ...not so much. And it really doesn't appear to be about malaprops or parodies as the title implies.

In sum, Damp Squid is a bit of a damp squib. :roll:

Hold that order, Skinem!

by **skinem** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 5:34 pm

Thanks for the heads up, Sluggo...you saved me a few bucks!

I'm not the brightest guy, but don't think I need the "what is a word" deal.

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