Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Salamander

SALAMANDER, n. Originally a reptile inhabiting fire; later, an anthropomorphous immortal, but still a pyrophile. Salamanders are now believed to be extinct, the last one of which we have an account having been seen in Carcassonne by the Abbe Belloc, who exorcised it with a bucket of holy water.

2010 Update: A four-fingered, short-nosed amphibian that can breathe through its slimy skin. The assistant manager of the wetlands.

17 comments:

Mo'a said...

While I was in Hawaii, one of his relatives joined me in the shower every morning...she/he? was very cute.

Unknown said...

victim of psychoanalytic research

rebacis: I'll be back

Jim said...

Here we keep the pyrophiles beside the fireplace in a nice warm box. The salamanders go outside with dogs when they go out, the rest like to visit the kitty litter box. :)
..

pia said...

I took part of a dementia test online. The fist question was to name 4 creatures that begin with he letter "S" I now freak in the privacy of my own home and the only creature I could think of were salamanders. OK later I thought of many creatures, but salamanders first? I think I've always loved them

quilly said...

You have just given me a great scene for a fantasy story. Now , who is the main character and what is the plot?

k. riggs gardner said...

Doug,

I know I was told to go and sin no more, but I'm not going with either Bierce's definition or Pascover's 2010 update. Today, I'm quoting the ever reliable Wikipedia:
Pliny the Elder (A.D. 23–79) noted that the creature [salamander] is ~

An animal like a lizard in shape and with a body starred all over;
it NEVER comes out except during heavy showers
and DISAPPEARS the moment
the weather becomes clear.
~

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

SALAMANDER, n I so wanted to make a silly here with someone else's name who has made a comment already today but I shant so I'll stick with Nancy Pelosi. Although, she is no assistant but head honchette in the House

sauerkraut said...

Arriving here at the comment box after reading the comments, above, I am happy that Pia forgot my name during her dementia test. 8-)

I have nothing witty to add that has not already been written. Well, almost nothing as I still have Rachel Maddow's interview of JD Hayworthy... she'd cut off his tail but he'd quickly regrow it. Shoulda tossed him into some deep wetlands muck.

Nessa said...

Since I missed my buddy yesterday, I must point out that he often inhabits salamanders. Uh, huh. Yes, he does.

Book Review - Moving In

Omnipotent Poobah said...

salamander - The commander of all the salamis.

I know it's lame, but it's been a long day.

k. riggs gardner said...

This is just a (great literary) blog.

I could've been hallucinating, but I'm imagining I've said this before:

MISCELLANY ON WEDNESDAY has been exceptional lately.
~

tilden talks... said...

salamander is a culinary utensil characterized by very high temperature overhead infrared heating elements which may be powered by either electricity or gas. It is used primarily in professional kitchens for overhead grilling (US: broiling). It is also used for toasting, as well as browning of gratin dishes, melting cheeses onto sandwiches, and desserts such as Crème brûlée.
ganked from wikipedia....

Ariel the Thief said...

Also stands for virginity, as people used to believe it has no sex. You'd never think that something with THAT look can raise so many legends. *licks mouth*

k. riggs gardner said...

What a coincidence! I think salamander also means: a domestic pet waking one up at 3 a.m. in the morning to go to the bathroom while the awoken gratuitously checks on incoming e-mails.

Doug The Una said...

Mo'a, they are cute, aren't they? I'm not sure about shower-together-cute, but cute.

Karma, and who is innocent of psychiatric analysis?

Jim, I like "salamander" as a generic term for pet. I might start calling Willie and Walela salamanders, at least until they pin me and eat my tongue.

Pia, "Sybil!!!! No that's not right, is it, doctors?"

Right you are, Actonbell. I wonder if sixth grade teachers know the harm they cause.

Quilly, someone should have told me those were necessary.

Karen, quoting Pliny doesn't count as sin because he might never have heard the gospels.

TLP, then stay away from Newt although isn't his birthplace in your neighborhood?

Thom, I suppose that was discrete of you.

Sauerkraut, I suppose I'll have to look up JD Hayworthy.

Nessa, I'm not sure what you're talking about but avoid armored trucks just for today.

Actually, Poobah, I'd say that was differently excellent.

I agree, Cooper. Even the name is cute but I think I like them best in a browser window.

Thanks, Karen. I'll try to keep the streak going.

Very true, Tilden. It's what makes Burger King so extraordinary, isn't it?

Ariel, I had no idea. I think they look like every part of sex, hence the legends.

Karen, that specific?

weirsdo said...

Skink relative.