torpid

[sardith]

This quote is the reason for my query:

“Novels so often provide an anodyne and not an antidote, glide one into torpid slumbers instead of rousing one with a burning brand.” ~Virginia Woolf, English author, essayist, publisher, and writer of short stories, (1882-1941)~

tor·pid (tôrpd)
adj.
1. Deprived of the power of motion or feeling; benumbed.
2. Dormant; hibernating.
3. Lethargic; apathetic

Then I had one last question: Does this word have anything to do with the word torpedo, and if so, how can one so slow, torpid, become one so fast, torpedo?

Thanks,
Sardith

[Perry Lassiter]

Good eye! They both come from the same root with etymology including a reference to the electric ray fish which stings and thus renders torpid. Torpedo first used in RRs to refer to a charge placed on the tracks to alert trains to an approaching problem. I would guess the sting of the underwater ray affected its use as the underwater bomb along with the rigidity of the cigar shaped tube.

[sardith]

Why thank you.
I have been told that my eyes are one of my best features.

I know. I couldn't resist...ugh.

[Slava]

I do believe this means we need more emoticons. Where do we go to find a flirty, winky smile?

I also wouldn't minded having a smiling evil face for one of my recent posts.

[Audiendus]

I also wouldn't minded having a smiling evil face for one of my recent posts.

You mean like this?

(Twisted Evil emoticon)

[sardith]

Audiendus,

Can you find an emoticon for the emotional outburst of frustration most commonly expressed by the word: 'Arghh'!

That's the one I wish was available many times.

Sardith :^/

[Audiendus]

Can you find an emoticon for the emotional outburst of frustration most commonly expressed by the word: 'Arghh'!

Well, I suppose you could use the 'Mad' emoticon and do something like this:

<<< >>>

[Slava]

I also wouldn't minded having a smiling evil face for one of my recent posts.

You mean like this?

(Twisted Evil emoticon)

I saw that one, but it's not smiling enough.

[Perry Lassiter]

Meanwhile, Sardith of Fresno, I met a couple visiting from Bakersfield today, and for a couple of years we lived between the two in Tulare, while I worked out of Visalia. Small world, getting smaller. We may all need to learn a universal language. Catholic church was smart getting all priest to speak Latin.

[sardith]

Thanks, Audiendus, but I'm probably asking for the moon, since my 'Arghh' is not so much an angry frustration, but one where I might follow up the 'Arghh', with a sigh and a, "Typical," if that sounds familiar to anyone else.

Perry,
Yes, very small world! Hope you enjoyed your visit.

Sardith