Thursday, September 25, 2008

Lickspittle

LICKSPITTLE, n. A useful functionary, not infrequently found editing a newspaper. In his character of editor he is closely allied to the blackmailer by the tie of occasional identity; for in truth the lickspittle is only the blackmailer under another aspect, although the latter is frequently found as an independent species. Lickspittling is more detestable than blackmailing, precisely as the business of a confidence man is more detestable than that of a highway robber; and the parallel maintains itself throughout, for whereas few robbers will cheat, every sneak will plunder if he dare.

2008 Update:  A treasury secretary in need of a loan.

14 comments:

TLP said...

First. Of course, I have no idea what the word is yet.

Anonymous said...

I dunno what this word is but I do like the sound of it.

TLP said...

What McCain is to Bush: a toady. Am I allowed to be political?

TLP said...

I don't know about you Jenn, but I could have done something nasty with lick or licks. And Doug did forget to say something to the two of us about behaving.

Anonymous said...

No topping your definition today, Doug. Except perhaps to ask, are the McCain and Obama campaigns going to Washington to offer their war chests as collateral? Not even ...

Anonymous said...

I majored in Posterior Osculation, but I had a strong minor in Salivary Ingestion.

Jim said...

Lickspittle: Most of Doug's commentors (and mine and most reader's) are lickpittles. Exception being those who maliciously intend to unfairly critize him.

Lickspittle: A fawning subordinate (Free Dictionary)

Fawning: Especially definition #2, more applicable to blog commentors.
"intr.v. fawned, fawn·ing, fawns
1. To exhibit affection or attempt to please, as a dog does by wagging its tail, whining, or cringing.
2. To seek favor or attention by flattery and obsequious behavior"
(Free Dictionary)
..
Lickspittle: I had no idea of what it meant until I looked it up.

Lickspittle: I will apply this word to Condoleezza Rice who until very recently tried to tell the world that her boss, GWB, was the best and smartest ruler in the world. Like a broken record, she was.
..

Anonymous said...

There are dozens of ways to go on this, but none of them very appealing. I'l pass on this one.

Jamie Dawn said...

Lickspittle: I'll break this word into two parts because I like licking an ice cream cone and I don't like spittle.

I like the sound of this silly word.
I will have to add it to my always expanding vocabulary.
Butt Kisser and Brown Noser are also silly words that are fun to say.

Minka said...

lickspittle: someone who is sick of elephants?

S A J Shirazi said...

I muss you my friend. How are you? best.

Anonymous said...

lickspittle: Men leaving the toilet seat down

Doug The Una said...

TLP, there's a word?

Thought you might, Jenn.

TLP, you're the blogmama. I'm not the boss of you. Besides, that was clear back to Monday.

Amoeba, what percentage of the ultimate bailout do you suppose will be "donated?"

Dr. Strator, never was an official more qualified.

Jim, it is impossible to unfairly criticize me.

Poobah, thanks for letting us know. I agree, the choices fall like rain.

Actonbell, the competition is pretty fierce.

JD, sycophant is good, too.

Icy, we're never too old to die young.

Oh, yes, Minka! Absolutely, Minka! Just so!

Ah, Shirazi! I'm well, thanks. I'll pop over to your site in a minute hoping to find you the same.

Amhsirak, what kind of shriveled spirit would contemplate such a thing? And where would they contemplate it?

Anonymous said...

Couldn't top that if I tried.