He came from the planet of Soy

File Under:Web, Master

"Let us explain:
Kikko punch -
The power of the punch which comes form (sic) Kikkoman's unnecessarily-built body is far more than what you imagine. In addition, since Kikkoman is always using his gloves for brewingsoysauce (sic), you'd be itchy when you get punched by him!"

Fight! Kikkoman

Special spiffing thanks to syndicated humor deity, Dave Barry. Yes, it is he that I blame.

posted by John 6:29 PM

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Slingin' The Slang

File Under: Slangshot

I have recently come into possession of a huge and relatively ancient tome entitled "A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English" by Eric Partidge. There's a newer edition for sale here, but I really like the musty feel of this 1961 version. It is absolutely, if you'll pardon the expression, the ginchiest. This is a comprehensive collection of primarily British slang stretching back over the centuries. Every page contains at least four terms you've never even begun to hear of.

Indeed, it is just the thing to pad out a weblog in an amusing fashion.

Here are a few choice nuggets pulled more or less at random:

• muffling-cheat: a napkin or towel (1560-1840)
  
• broads: playing cards (ca. 1780)
  
• canadoe: a drink from a can (17th cent.)
  
• hummum: a brothel (late 17th - early 18th cent.)
  
• shin-plaster: a bank note (U.S. anglicized ca. 1860)
  
• shin-scraper: a treadmill (ca. 1869)
  
• shin-stage, (take) the: (to go) a journey on foot, not by stage-coach (mid 18th-19th cent.)
  

posted by John 5:56 PM

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