Monday, July 7, 2008

Silly Words I Can’t Do Without


dis — I realize this word isn’t silly for everyone, but when it’s coming out of a 40ish white woman — well, let’s just say it gets people primed for my crunk routine. I use this word so much that the copy editors at Penguin actually included it in the little style guide they made to edit my books.

schmutz — What else could you possibly have on your chin after eating the artichoke and spinach dip?

dude — I don't like it either. But this is California. It's the law.

bubkes — A word no comedy-minded nihilist can do without.

noggin — Someday, respectable folks will take back the word "head." But until then ...



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4 comments:

Willie Deuel said...

And can we please get rid of my bad?

June Casagrande said...

Dude! I HATE "my bad." In the past 10 years it has slipped out of my mouth exactly once. I locked myself in the men's room at Taco Bell for a week as punishment.

Joel said...

Dude, you have no idea. I was just discussing with a friend my overuse of "dude." Seriously. I even use it when I pray, which offends some people, but aw well, WTF's a brother to do? Use that acronym in prayer too, but not so much with the religious. One taboo at a time.

Yiddish is the source of much verbal greatness. "Schmutz" is a good one. "Putz" another. I'm always saying "oy."

Love that you're into the Urban Dictionary. Inconsistent and sometimes just awful but often enough brilliant and probably indispensable. I subscribe to their daily, alongside the more erudite AWAD.

Hey, speaking of lexicography, I picked up The Highly Selective Dictionary For The Extraordinarily Literate at B & N this weekend (not that I claim to be its ostentatious target). It looks like fun. The author has a bit of the snob's chip on his shoulder, but he also has a bit of a point. Regardless, I love the journey. And the preface riffs on "nuclear." Curious if you'd heard of, read or had any opinions.

I've been known to utter "my bad." It's quick and to the point--which are especially valuable qualities on the b-ball court. Ball goes sailing three feet over the head of intended target, etc. I do try not to overuse it elsewhere though.

June Casagrande said...

Dude! I totally forgot to include "oy." I use it constantly. I can't believe what a putz I was to forget it. Somebody should kick me in the tuchus!

: )

I've seen the "Highly Selective Dictionary" and am very curious about it. I just can't buy it until I get a trenchcoat and sunglasses and find a dimly lit bookstore two towns over.

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