Nincompoop. I love that word. In my family, we have lots of "dad words." Actually, ours are phrases, which we've dubbed "Haroldisms." Our Harold is full of sayings that you hear nowhere else. Which, sometimes, is just as well...
Just been reading Michael Frayn's book about his father, who used to exclaim "Hatchamakacha!" and now I can't get the word out of my head - it's very useful.
They were cutting the grass in Hahamongna this morning! In winter!! The cuttings smelt very summery.
So lush and green! (It's been snowing here off and on today.)
The "dad words" and "Haroldisms" are fun. My dad used rather salty language when he was irritated, so I'll spare you. My mother was more "refined"; she'd firmly state that X "was a dumb bunny!" or Y "was dumber than a post!".
Katie, a woman I know drove north last week and remarked on the golden hills along the highway between SF and LA. It rained while she was there for Christmas. On her drive back, the hills were green.
BD, I think I've heard those--tells me what generation your parents come from.
I find myself still wondering about the salty language Ms. M's father used.
Here's a few more "Dad/Mom/Grandfather" words for your list: "gumption", "horse pucky!", "flummoxed", "geegaw", "thingamajig", "numbskull", "nitwit", "twit", and the phrase, "X hasn't got the sense God gave a goose!".
This is turning into a priceless collection of sayings. I just read your Friday post about the cold weather and remembered a fellow vol at Heifer Ranch in Arkansas, an old man, a former farmer. He'd say "Lordy lordy, it's as cold as a witch's tit!"
Your ground must have good natural saturation. Lovely green.
ReplyDelete"Post-prandial"--haven't heard that since my medical editing days.
Happy hiking.
I thought for a moment you'd sneaked over to England for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Petrea.
Beautiful photo, Petrea!
ReplyDeleteDina, I think of "prandial" as a "dad word." It goes on the same list with bumbershoot, claptrap, and nincompoop.
ReplyDeleteI'd have loved that, Dive.
Hi Sonia!
Beautiful photo - sounds like a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteNincompoop. I love that word. In my family, we have lots of "dad words." Actually, ours are phrases, which we've dubbed "Haroldisms." Our Harold is full of sayings that you hear nowhere else. Which, sometimes, is just as well...
Just been reading Michael Frayn's book about his father, who used to exclaim "Hatchamakacha!" and now I can't get the word out of my head - it's very useful.
ReplyDeleteThey were cutting the grass in Hahamongna this morning! In winter!! The cuttings smelt very summery.
Now you've got me trying to think of phrases, Adele. Mostly I think of songs: "Bird in a Gilded Cage" popped up first.
ReplyDeleteBellis, I'm glad I got there before the mowing, though I know they have to do it.
So lush and green! (It's been snowing here off and on today.)
ReplyDeleteThe "dad words" and "Haroldisms" are fun. My dad used rather salty language when he was irritated, so I'll spare you. My mother was more "refined"; she'd firmly state that X "was a dumb bunny!" or Y "was dumber than a post!".
Ms. M, you remind me of a friend who uses "dumber than a sack of hammers" for people who really deserve it. I love it.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love CA winter, watching the world turn green.
ReplyDeleteThe green is so vibrant and the comments make my day.
ReplyDeleteBoth my parents used dumber than a doorknob and short a few cards in his deck. I think their post one was dull as a fence post.
Katie, a woman I know drove north last week and remarked on the golden hills along the highway between SF and LA. It rained while she was there for Christmas. On her drive back, the hills were green.
ReplyDeleteBD, I think I've heard those--tells me what generation your parents come from.
I find myself still wondering about the salty language Ms. M's father used.
My Dad every once in awhile would answer the phone with "Mort's Mortuary...you stab 'em we slab 'em!"
ReplyDeleteYep...he really did!!!
I'm sure you were mortified, Chieftess, especially when you were hoping the caller was a boy.
ReplyDeleteI'm keeping a list of "Dad Words" now. Today I added "smidgen" and "skeedaddle."
Very pretty. I bet is was quiet and lovely.
ReplyDeleteHere's a few more "Dad/Mom/Grandfather" words for your list:
ReplyDelete"gumption", "horse pucky!", "flummoxed", "geegaw", "thingamajig", "numbskull", "nitwit", "twit", and the phrase, "X hasn't got the sense God gave a goose!".
Thank you, Ms. M, I'll add those. And you made me think of another: flibbertigibbet.
ReplyDeleteThis is turning into a priceless collection of sayings.
ReplyDeleteI just read your Friday post about the cold weather and remembered a fellow vol at Heifer Ranch in Arkansas, an old man, a former farmer. He'd say "Lordy lordy, it's as cold as a witch's tit!"
Yes! And I'll bet when it was icy he said it was "slicker'n snot on a doorknob."
ReplyDeleteI like that path but have a hard time getting Mr V to take it
ReplyDeleteEeuw. Fortunately I never heard that one.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful, peaceful or, hell GREEN walking path in my life. Those trees are amazing.
ReplyDeleteHi Paul--maybe I'll post a summer picture of the same path and you can see how brown it gets during our non-rainy season!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great shot. The kind of trail that makes me want to just keep walking to see what's around the next bend!
ReplyDeleteI bet you know this path, Tim. It's a nice trail when you don't have a little time but you need a break.
ReplyDelete