The following conversation recently transpired between Jason and myself. I should point out in advance that Jason is a part time professor, lover of words, and an avid Scrabble player. Seeing as I couldn't spell my way out of a paper bag, we unfortunately do not share this particular interest. However, it made this conversation all the more frustrating to him (in a silly way) and all the more entertaining to me.
I don't remember exactly how the conversation started, but it had something to do with me having success at something....
M - So, then I would be a successer.
J - No, you would be a success. Or, you can have success. But, a successor is someone who follows next in order.
M - Right. I know what a successor is. I would be a successer. ER. One who has success!
J - But, that isn't a word.
M - Well, I'm making up a new word.
J - You can't just make up new words.
M - Why not? Is there some law about inventing new words? Ain't wasn't even added to the dictionary until recently. However, people started using it so much it was declared a new word. I'm starting a trend. You can be a successer or a failer.
J - But, there are already words that mean what you are trying to express. You don't need to invent new words. For example, instead of failer you would use failure or loser.
M - Ah, but failer and loser mean too different things. You can lose a game. However, if your intent was to lose the game in the first place, you would be a successer at being a loser. But, you certainly wouldn't be a failer.
J - I see (sarcasam).
M - Hey, the Samoans have like a hundred words or something in their language that all define snow. So, what's the big deal with having a few extra words that mean the same thing?
J - Samoans are natives of Polynesian islands. I doubt they have ever even seen snow let alone have over a hundred words for it. Did you mean the Eskimos?
M - Right, Eskimos. Whatever. You know what I mean.
J - Mmmhmmm.....so, are you telling me that if my intent was to have sex with you for an hour tonight, but I was only able to last one minute, then I would be a failer?
M - Oh no Honey, in that case you would be a loser :)
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2 comments:
Sometimes I think we were separated at birth, even though really I suppose we were just joined and separated at college. I just made a blog and used the word "righter", as in someone being more right than the other. So I think making up words is perfectly acceptable to find the right connotation that you need. However, I still retain the right to mock anyone else who does it if that suits my purposes, er, betterer.
However I will admit that I was astounded to learn that Samoans had so many words for snow. So that is funny. Miss Chevious - 1, Miss Chevious's boyfriend - 1.
Oh, and have you found a job yet or are you still unencumbered and free? Cause D and I were thinking of driving up to Gettysburg this weekend, weather permitting. Wanna meet us there? We could even call it a bloggers convention and use the trip as a tax write-off. ::grin::
that was a funneriest conversation. i agree with you on all points....who is this jason character anyway?
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