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.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Abatis
ABATIS, n. Rubbish in front of a fort, to prevent the rubbish outside from molesting the rubbish inside.
2010 Update: The uprooting and repurposing of a forest to shelter mammals.
I like to think of them as naturally groomed, Nessa.
Correct, Jim.
See, TLP? That's not an old truck in back of my property, it's camouflage.
Very good, Quilly!
Susan, I'd have loved to have studied that, but I was afraid I'd spend my workdays walking around looking up. That's also why I can't work in New York.
Thom, that's a perfect nonsequitur. You've outdone yourself, my friend.
Not mine, Amoeba. Mine's more cudgel.
No, Tilden, you just got here after this site started fading into the weird parts of the dictionary.
Absolutely, Actonbell. If I were defending a fort from barbarians nowadays, I'd set children outside the wall.
11 comments:
A bat is prickly.
Abatises: These were used in the civil war to stop a charging army. (Civil War Terminology)
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So that's what hoarders are trying to do! I thought junk in people's yards was just, well, junk. It all makes sense now.
ABATIS, n. an "unwelcome" mat with a pointed message.
A bat is living in my attic.
I'm going back to school in January; forestry is on my short list of study choices. Still thinking.
So, Jim, you're saying that armies in the Confederate Revolutionary ... um, Civil War used recessionary tactics?
ABATIS, n. Credit report.
once again - i don't get it.
am i dumb or somethin?
"Listen, everyone is entitled to my opinion," said the Celebrity.
ABATIS, n. Egotism in the abstract.
I like to think of them as naturally groomed, Nessa.
Correct, Jim.
See, TLP? That's not an old truck in back of my property, it's camouflage.
Very good, Quilly!
Susan, I'd have loved to have studied that, but I was afraid I'd spend my workdays walking around looking up. That's also why I can't work in New York.
Thom, that's a perfect nonsequitur. You've outdone yourself, my friend.
Not mine, Amoeba. Mine's more cudgel.
No, Tilden, you just got here after this site started fading into the weird parts of the dictionary.
Absolutely, Actonbell. If I were defending a fort from barbarians nowadays, I'd set children outside the wall.
Anonymous, in the abstract indeed.
And here I thought I had a serious answer that was very appropriate LOL
I'm with Tilden. I don't get it either. I thought a bat is made out of wood.
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