MindlessChatter

I've mentioned before that I am a fan of clever word smithing and love to read authors that are exceptional at it.   Patrick Rothfuss is one such example.   The King Killer Chronicles is a masterful example of a well written story and is chocked full of fun terms and phrases that are so quotable it carries a certain Douglas Adams.....esq feel.   Part of Rothfuss' charm is his habit of combining words in new and interesting ways or utilizing words that have long since gone out of style. This is a trend that I would like to see more of.   There are some words and phrases that provide such a colorful images that it would be a crime to let them retire into a lexicographical cemetery. Testicular Fortitude - I was introduced to this wonderful term in The Name of the Wind by the aforementioned Patrick Rothfuss   and I've only been able to use in once since then. Poppycock –What a wonderful word!   I rarely get to enjoy myself so much while yell...

I recently had a conversation with a co-worker where in which I mentioned that I just purchased a copy of The Last Unicorn .  She actually stopped mid stride, “Unicorns? I didn’t peg you for the unicorn type.” Then shook her head and walked away.  “Wait a minute,” I yelled. “You don’t understand, it’s not a book just about unicorns.  There’s a bull made of fire and magicians.” She gave me a suspicious grin “…and it just happens to have unicorn in the title?” “Well yes, it is about a king who is gathering all the unicorns in the world because it is the only thing that makes him happy.” “So….he collects unicorns to make him happy” “That’s correct, but…” I start. “Are they pink fluffy unicorns?” she asks while stifling a giggle. “White with a periwinkle mane.” (I was referencing the movie at this point). By now she is doubled over in laughter and I feel that the conversation has taken a dangerous turn towards humiliation.  “No dammit, listen.  The movie i...