QQUOTATION, n. The act of repeating erroneously the words of another.
The words erroneously repeated.
Intent on making his quotation truer,
He sought the page infallible of Brewer,
Then made a solemn vow that we would be
Condemned eternally. Ah, me, ah, me!
–Stumpo Gaker
QUOTATION, n. The act of repeating the words of another in an attempt to appear more intelligent/funny/creative than one actually is. Also, see above.
PPOLITICS, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.
POLITICS, n. A bloodsport declining in popularity, because it’s just gotten too dirty.
PATRIOTISM, n. Combustible rubbish read to the torch of any one ambitious to illuminate his name.
In Dr. Johnson’s famous dictionary patriotism is defined as the last resort of a scoundrel. With all due respect to an enlightened but inferior lexicographer I beg to submit that it is the first.
PATRIOTISM, n. See The Devil’s Dictionary. Also, the second, third and fourth choice, and especially pervasive around election time.
OVERWORK, n. A dangerous disorder affecting high public functionaries who want to go fishing.
OVERWORK, n. Something your supervisor expects of you as a matter of course, but that he never does himself.
OBSOLETE, adj. No longer used by the timid. Said chiefly of words.
A word which some lexicographer has marked obsolete is ever thereafter
an object of dread and loathing to the fool writer, but if it is a
good word and has no exact modern equivalent equally good, it is good
enough for the good writer. Indeed, a writer’s attitude toward
“obsolete” words is as true a measure of his literary ability as
anything except the character of his work. A dictionary of obsolete
and obsolescent words would not only be singularly rich in strong and
sweet parts of speech; it would add large possessions to the
vocabulary of every competent writer who might not happen to be a
competent reader.
OBSOLETE, adj. Something your electronic equipment becomes the moment you purchase it.
NOTORIETY, n. The fame of one’s competitor for public honors. The kind of renown most accessible and acceptable to mediocrity. A Jacob’s-ladder leading to the vaudeville stage, with angels ascending and descending.
NOTORIETY, n. See Celebrity.