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.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Genuflection
Genuflection, n. Leg-service. The act of bending the knee to Him who so made it that the posture is unnatural and fatiguing.
2006 Update: A pious pose for the reverent contemplation of crime, commerce, conspiracy or cataclysm.
Doug, your definitions have been beyond golden these last days. I think you've reached enlightenment, or done just the right genuflection or something.
Genuflect is one of those ridiculous-sounding words that people never use in real life. If one does actually use it, one is instantly ostracized, and for good reason, I might add.
"Genuflect" may be suspect...but I love the term "leg-service" so much, that I vow to encorporate it into my everyday conversation. EX: "What curious leg-service you have there..."
a bit of genuflecting and 10 Hail Mary´s will get you out of almost any trouble, it seems! I, myself, use a proven approach of tearing up and shivering slightly. Same result really! I still think I am the more saintly of the two. At least I know I am human and I made my peace with it a long time ago! The kneeling kind is just decieved, misguided and frankly: the wear and tear of trousers must be expensive...
I had a new premonition. I have found the nonlight. I've had a brand new renewal of sight. do you need a new genuflection? Do you wanna make a different pact? you've got to get in with the facts. it's the end-innocence gone. you're whole meaningBecomes undone. are you waiting for your resurrection? do you wanna make a different pact? you've got to get in with theFacts. you've made an art of treachery. you can snake right out of anything. I've said I won't do not a thing. to the doubleNegative you can only agree.
Morning, Doug
ReplyDeleteGenuflection, n., Generally speaking, not very genuine and not really reflective. False gesture.
ReplyDeleteGenuflection: a form of exercise known as religious calisthenics second only to the end of service sprint away from overzealous Stewards.
ReplyDeleteHey Doug, your pop was first! Hi Pappa Pascover.
ReplyDeleteMorning, Pops! I hope you weren't expecting an empty gesture.
ReplyDeleteTLP, generally speaking, I suspect you're right. God knows.
Sar, the stewards do tend to "come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (MT 7:15 NKJV)
Doug, your definitions have been beyond golden these last days. I think you've reached enlightenment, or done just the right genuflection or something.
ReplyDeleteIf you move beyond genuflection and end up with your feet behind your head does that make you a saint or a sinner? Bohemian minds need to know!
ReplyDeleteGenuflection... potential doom for bohemians everywhere, DOOM I SAY!
Indie, thanks. You're a master writer and your compliment means a lot.
ReplyDeleteMiz B, it makes you a yogi beyond good, evil or a reasonable range of motion.
Cowgirl, right or flexible. I guess reporters are modern knights.
Genuflect is one of those ridiculous-sounding words that people never use in real life. If one does actually use it, one is instantly ostracized, and for good reason, I might add.
ReplyDeletegenuflect-only necessary after too much drinking.
ReplyDelete"Genuflect" may be suspect...but I love the term "leg-service" so much, that I vow to encorporate it into my everyday conversation.
ReplyDeleteEX:
"What curious leg-service you have there..."
Jamie Dawn, that's probably why genuflectors are always begging.
ReplyDeleteMasil, I had a feeling I could guess which God you pray to.
Somehow, Mutha, I doubt I'd get away with that line. Please let me know how that goes.
a bit of genuflecting and 10 Hail Mary´s will get you out of almost any trouble, it seems!
ReplyDeleteI, myself, use a proven approach of tearing up and shivering slightly. Same result really!
I still think I am the more saintly of the two. At least I know I am human and I made my peace with it a long time ago!
The kneeling kind is just decieved, misguided and frankly: the wear and tear of trousers must be expensive...
Mutha, with "curious leg-service" you mean genuflection or feet behind head? just so it'll be clear. :-P
ReplyDeletegenuflection - ceremony made up to get men to have a nice sight into décollates.
Genuflection: what my people do in respect to me.
ReplyDeleteChatcat is right! That is what humans do when they pet us, too!
ReplyDeleteMinka, your eye-batting is legendary, even an ocean away. Saintliness, maybe not so much.
ReplyDeleteAriel, those are really funny comments. I'm glad you didn't claim sainthood.
You deserve it Chatcat and they mean it.
Actonbell, you are so pure!
Goodpoint, Icy. That's a good girl!
You Catholics best not forget that genuflection is forbidden during Mass on Good Friday (which is coming up soon, btw).
ReplyDelete...Or else the nuns with the rulers will get ya!
I'm saying hi :) I'm too tired to think of anything else to say :(
ReplyDeleteI had a new premonition. I have found the nonlight. I've had a brand new renewal of sight. do you need a new genuflection? Do you wanna make a different pact? you've got to get in with the facts. it's the end-innocence gone. you're whole meaningBecomes undone. are you waiting for your resurrection? do you wanna make a different pact? you've got to get in with theFacts. you've made an art of treachery. you can snake right out of anything. I've said I won't do not a thing. to the doubleNegative you can only agree.
ReplyDelete...and I like it so much when people do it before me.
ReplyDeleteariel, I think the mind should just wander...what ever leg-service one is willing to entertain, curious or otherwise.
ReplyDeletedoug, the incorporation of "leg-service" into polite conversation has gone slowly today. It may be ahead of it time. *sigh*
Does this have anything to do with gnus?
ReplyDeleteFriday after next, TLM. Got something picked out?
ReplyDeleteHi, Marwa. It's good to see you, tired or not.
Shayna, those are fantastic lyrics. Yours?
Poobah, you forgot your royal we and it's practically Poobah day.
Lammy, thank you. Tell Lula I said hi if she's resurrected.
a4g, phew, I thought that was a spasm.
Sorry, Mutha. You'll be the one to pull it off I bet.
Only the religious ones, Logo.
my knee in the mirror at wonderland or not...we like mirrors.
ReplyDeleteTo perform a step in Tom Lehrer's "Vatican Rag."
ReplyDeleteGenuflection (n)
ReplyDeleteAn impious position reserved for private amongst individuals seeking a temporary heaven.
Hey Doug! Hows it going?
ReplyDeleteGenuflect: bowing to thy wife!
Alice, I would too.
ReplyDeleteHaha, Weirsdo. "Aaaand, genuflect, genuflect, genuflect"
Great definition, Still Life. I expect the permanent one is ADA compliant.
Sunil, old friend, how are you? My father says a man never stands as tall as when he bows to a women. And he doesn't get why I'm still single.