communication
I am always completely impressed with people who can communicate effectively. Mostly because this is definately not something I am good at. I always think of things I WANTED to say after the fact, I'm certainly not quick on my toes, and I just plain can't think half the time.
One of my all time favorite movies is Pride and Prejudice. There is just something about the 18th Century that is intriquing to me. They were so eloquent back then. What happened to us? Somewhere the art of communication was lost, and we have settled for incomplete thoughts and ignorant speech. At least I have.
Anyway, where was I? Pride and Prejudice, 18th Century... oh yeah. see what I mean? can't think...
The thing that impresses me the most in Pride and Prejudice is their innate ability to insult one another eloquently. Before you knew what hit you, slam! insulted. It leaves you thinking... hey... I was just insulted.. I think. Now that's an art form.
I have a book that Shawn bought me for my birthday a few years ago. I like to look through it now and then. It's called Samuel Johnson's Insults. It is a compendium of snubs, sneers, slights, and effronteries from the 18th Century Master. Samuel Johnson's dictionary from 1755 has some of the ripest insults in the English language. When you can't think of something nice to say, just resort to my handy little book and let Samuel Johnson help you elevate your insult into an art form.
Some of the words in my book are interesting... words we use in different context today - thus showing our idiocy since we are insulting one another and aren't even aware.
My mom once said that she was just a "country bumpkin". I always thought that was kind of cute. But, now, I see "bumpkin" refers to a kind of worthless gourd, or melon. Bump is used amongst us for a knob, lump, much the same as blockhead... an awkward heavy, rustick, a country lout.
My sister would call me a ninny.... just something I thought referred to when I was being silly. Ninny is actually from the word ninno which means child in Spanish. It derives from child and innocent... but actually means "a fool; a simpleton". Gee thanks Tammy.
The word baggage - we consider stuff we carry. But, in the 18th century, baggage was a worthless woman often used ludicrously in slight disprobation. -- whatever disprobation means.
At any rate, definitely a handy book to have around when dealing with the public.
I had a recent visit from a barrel-bellied barber-monger who is intermeddling. I mopped - as I did not appreciate his venditation and am prone to mouth-friend the milksop sort myself!
One of my all time favorite movies is Pride and Prejudice. There is just something about the 18th Century that is intriquing to me. They were so eloquent back then. What happened to us? Somewhere the art of communication was lost, and we have settled for incomplete thoughts and ignorant speech. At least I have.
Anyway, where was I? Pride and Prejudice, 18th Century... oh yeah. see what I mean? can't think...
The thing that impresses me the most in Pride and Prejudice is their innate ability to insult one another eloquently. Before you knew what hit you, slam! insulted. It leaves you thinking... hey... I was just insulted.. I think. Now that's an art form.
I have a book that Shawn bought me for my birthday a few years ago. I like to look through it now and then. It's called Samuel Johnson's Insults. It is a compendium of snubs, sneers, slights, and effronteries from the 18th Century Master. Samuel Johnson's dictionary from 1755 has some of the ripest insults in the English language. When you can't think of something nice to say, just resort to my handy little book and let Samuel Johnson help you elevate your insult into an art form.
Some of the words in my book are interesting... words we use in different context today - thus showing our idiocy since we are insulting one another and aren't even aware.
My mom once said that she was just a "country bumpkin". I always thought that was kind of cute. But, now, I see "bumpkin" refers to a kind of worthless gourd, or melon. Bump is used amongst us for a knob, lump, much the same as blockhead... an awkward heavy, rustick, a country lout.
My sister would call me a ninny.... just something I thought referred to when I was being silly. Ninny is actually from the word ninno which means child in Spanish. It derives from child and innocent... but actually means "a fool; a simpleton". Gee thanks Tammy.
The word baggage - we consider stuff we carry. But, in the 18th century, baggage was a worthless woman often used ludicrously in slight disprobation. -- whatever disprobation means.
At any rate, definitely a handy book to have around when dealing with the public.
I had a recent visit from a barrel-bellied barber-monger who is intermeddling. I mopped - as I did not appreciate his venditation and am prone to mouth-friend the milksop sort myself!
Comments