Categories: uncategorized
Date: 28 February 2003 14:10:00
Today I'd like to introduce you to this marvellous work, written by Ambrose Bierce, and American Satirist of the late 1800's.
Although an odd title, in view of the content it makes a great one. The dictionary is, well, a dictionary but with a difference. Satire & humour are applied to many words in use (and many that aren't, actually)
For instance:
ACADEME, n.
An ancient school where morality and philosophy were taught.
ACADEMY, n.
[from ACADEME] A modern school where football is taught.
or
ACTUALLY, adv.
Perhaps; possibly.
or even
BAROMETER, n.
An ingenious instrument which indicates what kind of weather we are having.
Well, I like it!
http://www.alcyone.com/max/lit/devils/c.html
HARANGUE, n.
A speech by an opponent, who is known as an harrangue- outang.