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.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Amateur
AMATEUR, n. A public nuisance who mistakes taste for skill, and confounds his ambition with his ability.
On the first day of class, Tech Dude (one of my 18/19 yo freshman classmates), walked in to class wearing iPod buds and was most disappointed to learn our professor won't be posting our assignments to the online student board.
So yesterday, he demonstrated just how tech reliant he is by photographing our assignments from the board with his cellphone camera. As I finished writing the assignment in my daily planner, I laughed and shook my head at him. I think he mistook my laughter for support and caught up to me after class to introduce himself then offered me a fist to knock knuckles as a presumed fellow math-challenged classmate.
Speaking of unpaid, under medicated professionals; I am sending Brian home at noon. I have seized the reins of his blog though and am not letting him comment. Oh the power. LOL
Amateur: (1) Implying no warranty or guarantee of satisfaction. (2) Elligible to be beaten by professionals, at the Olympics. (3) Inelligible for social benefits.
Professional: A person who trades services for money. See Prostitution. (2) Motivated by greed. (3) For sale. (4) Of poor character or moral fibre. (5) Desk jockey.
Haha, Mule. Yes, sir! Or after none. You enjoy your own weekend, sir. I intend to be crabby.
Brian, I love Risk and I like to think of myself as a pro.
Actonbell, I have the beatnik Charlie commercial when he was wearing a black beret and doing poetry in mind right now. Weird how badly he wanted to be eaten, though, huh?
Jamie Dawn, you're a crack up. And no longer a hussy.
Morgan, does state funding count as a social benefit? Just wondering.
Quill, I heard about an ice storm in Vegas. No one's a wit on ice, but nearly everyone's funny/
Wikipedia says, and I know it's true: "The ... somewhat obsolescent usage stems from the French form of the Latin root of the word meaning a 'lover of.' In this sense, retaining its French inflexion ("am-a-tEUR"), an amateur is motivated by a love or passion for the activity ...passionate involvement." Ahhhh yes, it's good to be back. xoxo
Amateur person would have a really clever response for this word. I need more caffeine! Have fun! (??!! First?) D :)
ReplyDeleteAmateur: Not all freshman.
ReplyDeleteOn the first day of class, Tech Dude (one of my 18/19 yo freshman classmates), walked in to class wearing iPod buds and was most disappointed to learn our professor won't be posting our assignments to the online student board.
So yesterday, he demonstrated just how tech reliant he is by photographing our assignments from the board with his cellphone camera. As I finished writing the assignment in my daily planner, I laughed and shook my head at him. I think he mistook my laughter for support and caught up to me after class to introduce himself then offered me a fist to knock knuckles as a presumed fellow math-challenged classmate.
I feel so old but so entertained.
Amateur: Homeland Security, ie, the rainbow boys and girls. :)
ReplyDeleteSassy Dewy
xo
Wow...I don't know if I have anything to say after the above story and Doug's definition.
ReplyDeleteBut...what the hell:
amateur: first day out with the new brain. Sometimes perceived as more wholesome -- as in the once followed olympic cut-off. Often inspiring pity.
Amateur: I should be able to define this, since I'm an amateur at almost everything. But my drugs are as good as your drugs.
ReplyDeleteAmateur: modern professional.
ReplyDeleteAmateur: see "Rookie."
ReplyDeleteGreat word/definitiion from Ambrose, Doug, and greatly improved upon by you in your clever update.
Amateur: underpaid.
ReplyDeleteRight, Diane. And a professional would go get coffee first.
ReplyDeleteSar, do you think they even teach penmanship anymore? High five!
Dewy, one person's professional is another's rubber-gloved invader, I guess.
Mutha, a fresh, clean brain. If only I had one.
Cheers, TLP.
Right, G. Nat, or a reformed hobbyist or any kind of lobbyist. And welcome back.
Al, I'm an experienced unpaid professional.
Puppybrose, I'd argue with that one. Click this link and tell me that guy isn't overpaid at $0/month.
Why Doug thanks for defining me. I haven't been this flattered since....
ReplyDeleteAmateur: underrated.
ReplyDeleteOH how funny - undermedicated, I love it. just popping in to send out my love for the weekend and say GO CHARGERS!!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of unpaid, under medicated professionals; I am sending Brian home at noon. I have seized the reins of his blog though and am not letting him comment. Oh the power. LOL
ReplyDeleteSassy Dewy
xo
Amateur: Bloggers.....well most....OK!!!! me :)
ReplyDeleteAmmature: A grone-up that acts like a baby.
ReplyDeleteamateur: someone that did get arrested!
ReplyDeletecatching up... i'm Abhorred that bushie hasn't been Arrested by now. he's gotten us into this mess by being an Amateur idiot from day one.
ReplyDeletePia, since the last time the medications ran out?
ReplyDeletePuppybrose, if you're gonna get all sweet and everything I won't have much to say.
Jodes, I'm with you this week. If San Diego plays da Bears next week, though we'll have to agree to disagree.
Sassy, if you really want control, feed him a hamburger.
Mo'a, us all I think.
Boy, or an eleven-year-old who acts like a grown up.
Haha, Minka. That was good. And anyone found innocent by a judge.
Karen, and with so many professional idiots we could have elected, too. A shame.
Amateur: romance after too many cocktails...
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend! Party hard.
oooo. good one Old Mule
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support Doug. ;)
ReplyDeleteHere is a Haiku for you.
I have seen too much
oh to be an amateur
when we played at Risk
For some reason, Ambrose's definition reminds me of, "but Charlie, Starkist don't want tuna with good taste, starkist want tuna that tastes good!"
ReplyDeleteAnd I like your definition. Were you thinking of baseball?
Not yet a hussy.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend! Up your meds and enjoy!
Amateur: (1) Implying no warranty or guarantee of satisfaction. (2) Elligible to be beaten by professionals, at the Olympics. (3) Inelligible for social benefits.
ReplyDeleteAmateur: Opposite of professional.
ReplyDeleteProfessional: A person who trades services for money. See Prostitution. (2) Motivated by greed. (3) For sale. (4) Of poor character or moral fibre. (5) Desk jockey.
amateur ~nada~ me trying to define this word. Today I just can't.
ReplyDeleteHaha, Mule. Yes, sir! Or after none. You enjoy your own weekend, sir. I intend to be crabby.
ReplyDeleteBrian, I love Risk and I like to think of myself as a pro.
Actonbell, I have the beatnik Charlie commercial when he was wearing a black beret and doing poetry in mind right now. Weird how badly he wanted to be eaten, though, huh?
Jamie Dawn, you're a crack up. And no longer a hussy.
Morgan, does state funding count as a social benefit? Just wondering.
Quill, I heard about an ice storm in Vegas. No one's a wit on ice, but nearly everyone's funny/
Wikipedia says, and I know it's true: "The ... somewhat obsolescent usage stems from the French form of the Latin root of the word meaning a 'lover of.' In this sense, retaining its French inflexion ("am-a-tEUR"), an amateur is motivated by a love or passion for the activity ...passionate involvement." Ahhhh yes, it's good to be back. xoxo
ReplyDeleteDoug -- no ice in my part of town, that would be the other side of the valley.
ReplyDeleteAMATEUR, n. A sightseer in Vegas. This one's sleepwalking...
ReplyDeleteI think your past it.
ReplyDeleteMireille, it's good to hear from a pro.
ReplyDeleteQuill, good to hear. Stay warm.
O Ceallaigh, watch the blackjack dealers.
Alice, using Mireille's explanation, you're right. Now I do it for the obsession.