I went birthday card shopping to secure a clever/humorous unusual celebration offering. I like to go to Dragonfly, when I walked in and asked which section for birthday wishes, I got cheerful directions to the 5 racks with advice that the last two might be a bit off-culture. I repeated the phrase to the woman and said I think of off color as the normal cliche. After a brief discussion, we determined that both of those could fit the definition, “of doubtful propriety, dubious, verging on the indecent”. There were some cards that made me laugh, a few blushers, and a few that I could not send to anyone I know in good conscience.
Karen’s card shows an elephant dancing, “dance like everyone is watching their f*@# ing cell phone.” Happy birthday to Karen whose age adds to lucky 11 this year.
I see the f*@# word a lot today on social media platforms. It dawned on me that every time I have to endure more exposure to the Great Orange Wanker, a phrase comes to mind. “F*@# you and the horse you rode in on.” I like horses so it seems very unfair to the noble steed and it is unlikely the person you are suggesting to go ‘screw’ themselves is an equestrian. The phrase is called an intensifier, aimed at “someone who’s full of himself and unwelcome to boot.” According to one lexicographer, “instead of just insulting you, they want to insult your whole circumstance.” The phrase traces back to the 1950’s but could be earlier because “crude” language did not make it into print. It is odd that even in a world where almost no one rides in on a horse, insulting a man’s steed is a timeless burn.
While we are on off culture phrases, I spent a minute on ‘hell bent for leather”. I assumed it had something to do with horses and indeed the l800’s derivation alludes to a horse’s saddle and going at a pace that is “recklessly determined”. We owe the Brits as this is likely from British army jargon, “hell for leather.” The phrase emphasizes that they are moving quickly and likely carelessly. The etymology reveals, hell-using all of the strength, speed or effort that a person can summon and bent—determined, insistent. Bloody hell is an abbreviation of the original blasphemous term- “by our Lady in Hell.” The Brit’s use bloody as a substitute for more explicit language. Does bloody orange Wanker send you a clear message about my view of #45. Slightly different, but “sod off you stupid git” could also work. I hope the King enjoys a speedy recovery.
Please enjoy the bumper sticker on a Valley County car. Only a doofus would ski in jeans, classic burn—a very enlightened child and brave parents. There is hope for our Country.
Happy birthday to Karen. Mike