After spending the better part of the weekend out in the snow, it occurs to me that there are some expressions I can no longer tolerate.
A preface: each area of the country is entitled to colloquialisms. Coke/Pop/Soda, Tennis Shoes/Sneakers/Kicks etc. But some are just simply foolishness and resound of malapropisms. Which, if you are not aware, malapropisms sound a little like Moxie tastes.
Here's my recent additions to the annoying colloquialisms list:
1. Toboggan. It's a sled. A type of sled. It is not a hat. Why is it not a hat? Well, simply, because a hat is a hat. Do not ask me why I'm not wearing a toboggan. You can't wear a toboggan. You just can't.
2. Sled Riding. As opposed to Sled Walking? Perhaps Sled Galloping? Just call it Sledding. Hey! We're all going sledding, wanna come? Yeah. That sounds great. Let's go. Who's Car Driving?
3. Major Snowstorm. 8 Inches of Snow over 18 Hours is barely a snow storm. And yet, the roads still are not cleared 36 hours later. "But hey," I am reminded casually and ineffectually, "This isn't Boston, Aaron." Quite astute of you. "But hey," sarcastic, caustic, annoyed "It's not Florida. IT'S THE FREAKING MIDWEST!"
Colloquialisms: The Sound of Moxie Being Made.
A preface: each area of the country is entitled to colloquialisms. Coke/Pop/Soda, Tennis Shoes/Sneakers/Kicks etc. But some are just simply foolishness and resound of malapropisms. Which, if you are not aware, malapropisms sound a little like Moxie tastes.
Here's my recent additions to the annoying colloquialisms list:
1. Toboggan. It's a sled. A type of sled. It is not a hat. Why is it not a hat? Well, simply, because a hat is a hat. Do not ask me why I'm not wearing a toboggan. You can't wear a toboggan. You just can't.
2. Sled Riding. As opposed to Sled Walking? Perhaps Sled Galloping? Just call it Sledding. Hey! We're all going sledding, wanna come? Yeah. That sounds great. Let's go. Who's Car Driving?
3. Major Snowstorm. 8 Inches of Snow over 18 Hours is barely a snow storm. And yet, the roads still are not cleared 36 hours later. "But hey," I am reminded casually and ineffectually, "This isn't Boston, Aaron." Quite astute of you. "But hey," sarcastic, caustic, annoyed "It's not Florida. IT'S THE FREAKING MIDWEST!"
Colloquialisms: The Sound of Moxie Being Made.
4 comments:
You may hate Moxie, but at least one New England legend doesn't.
Let's ruminate (a particular group of animals that vomicate) on the predications of 'what-can't-find-a-decent-job' weather people-the prognosticators of severe snow storms, those champions of 'three inches when it's all over by the end of July 4th weekend' statements. We have one guy who must have been a monk, or, perhaps a user of few words, whatever job that would be; another prances about like he just came through a colonoscopy [which by the way, I was once asked by the doctor who does this kind of procedure,'Sir, can you tell me where you had your last one done.'-Hey, doc there is only a few locations that thing can fit-and I didn't see a degree in urology on your wall!) Anyway, back to the weather--another local yocal likes to show the pie charts, doppler radar, and the seven day forecast a year from now. The final guy greets you with a smile, bulging eyes and fingers that point in every direction. One time he used all his fingers to count down the coming blizzard ending up with one finger left--yes, the guy was flippin the bird at the blizzard, he called the forecast,' billard flippin.' The way I see it - when it comes - have a roll of toilet paper ready. An old guy once told me this but he didn't say why but he said it works all the time and he never had to shovel his yard.
Apparently the dictionary says you're right about "toboggan" as a noun. However, "toboggan cap" is a dictionary entry of its own which means the OED tells me I'm allowed to say it. The problem is that I think using the phrase "toboggan cap" sounds dumb, so I will just continue to use the word toboggan.
You have really great taste on catch article titles, even when you are not interested in this topic you push to read it
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