Redefining misanthropy for a fresh generation. Standard posts begin with a definition from Ambrose Bierce's The Devil's Dictionary followed by a modern adjustment. Miscellany on Wednesday and storytelling on Saturday.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Gout
GOUT, n. A physician's name for the rheumatism of a rich patient.
2009 Update: A disease caused by elevated levels of acid in the blood of a patient not used to it.
12 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I feel it only right to point out that an Icelander is first today...time was ;)
Bierce's definition was unfortunate, as gout is a very different disease from rheumatoid arthritis.
However, the underlying principle remains, that of physicians extracting their BMW payments from the gullibility of rich (read insured) patients. See PROZAC.
There was a time when people were very proud to have gout as they thought it came from eating "rich" foods which to some people (my father's mother) equated with "being rich" though she was on SSI
She had no symptoms and walked two miles a day until well into her 80's
Bierce's definition got a chuckle out of me, not to say that yours was chicken feed or anything.
Gout is an ugly word. If I'm going to suffer with an ailment, I'd rather have one with a better sounding name. The sounds of words matter. For example: If were to get bitten by a snake and die, I'd like to be bitten by a fer de lance rather than a bushmaster.
In an episode of KEEPING UP APPEARANCES, Hyacinth Bucket (prounounced "Bouquet") insists that her husband Richard has gout because that is far more aristocratic sounding that the foot fungus he actually has.
Tt is an ugly word. I never knew what it really was until I looked it up a few seconds ago. I always think of those old black and white movies in which fat old men sit around with their one foot or ankle wrapped in tons of dirty looking white cloth.
12 comments:
I feel it only right to point out that an Icelander is first today...time was ;)
Gout: Ouch!!!
Something predators never have. Go figure.
Suffering from it?? I hear it infects curmudgeons.
Bierce's definition was unfortunate, as gout is a very different disease from rheumatoid arthritis.
However, the underlying principle remains, that of physicians extracting their BMW payments from the gullibility of rich (read insured) patients. See PROZAC.
There was a time when people were very proud to have gout as they thought it came from eating "rich" foods which to some people (my father's mother) equated with "being rich" though she was on SSI
She had no symptoms and walked two miles a day until well into her 80's
Bierce's definition got a chuckle out of me, not to say that yours was chicken feed or anything.
Gout is an ugly word. If I'm going to suffer with an ailment, I'd rather have one with a better sounding name.
The sounds of words matter.
For example:
If were to get bitten by a snake and die, I'd like to be bitten by a fer de lance rather than a bushmaster.
It's when your big toe wants to go out.
My word verifier: obergyng
I'm speechless and you're glad about that.
In an episode of KEEPING UP APPEARANCES, Hyacinth Bucket (prounounced "Bouquet") insists that her husband Richard has gout because that is far more aristocratic sounding that the foot fungus he actually has.
Gout to git going, gout to git out.
..
I know, Mo'a. Your countrywoman really let that top spot go to pot. Thanks for sweeping.
That may be, Ariel, but they do get upset tummies, which is a form of justice.
Jenn, curmudgeons develop a resistance.
Amoeba, I kind of have to admit I was trusting brother Bierce.
Pia, sometimes it's just comforting to have a diagnosis.
Hahahahaha, JD. Trufflitis is your diagnosis.
TLP, may gout never spread to your tongue from your toe.
Actonbell, I d'out that.
Weirsdo, this is all new to me.
Good to gout, Jim.
Tt is an ugly word. I never knew what it really was until I looked it up a few seconds ago. I always think of those old black and white movies in which fat old men sit around with their one foot or ankle wrapped in tons of dirty looking white cloth.
The water balloon burst in a great gouty explosion when it hit the dog on the nose.
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