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, January 13, 2009
Lady
LADY, n. A vulgarian's name for a woman. A Lieutenant-Governor of California and Warden of the State Prison once reported the number under his care as "931 males and 27 ladies."
A woman expected to keep her cool as she is being directed to the inadequate public facilities assigned to her sex for the less-than-dainty business of nose-powdering.
Miss Manners cannot think of a more succinct definition of a lady than 'someone who wants to punch another person in the nose, but doesn't.' - Judith Martin
I'm rather okay with that because after reading TLP's quote I've realized I have punched someone in the nose and she's one of my best friends...still. Then her brother punched me in the nose, ending my love of him at 8. I guess he's not a lady either.
A woman expected to keep her cool as she is being directed to the inadequate public facilities assigned to her sex for the less-than-dainty business of nose-powdering.
ReplyDeleteI love this quote:
ReplyDeleteMiss Manners cannot think of a more succinct definition of a lady than 'someone who wants to punch another person in the nose, but doesn't.' - Judith Martin
That Judy. Such a woman.
I've never been called a lady.
ReplyDeleteI'm rather okay with that because after reading TLP's quote I've realized I have punched someone in the nose and she's one of my best friends...still. Then her brother punched me in the nose, ending my love of him at 8. I guess he's not a lady either.
You called :)
ReplyDeleteAlways go with the saying that I can't remember exactly "a lady in the __; and a whore in the bedroom
LADY n.
ReplyDeleteA special veneer warn by a women to make her appear much more gracious and well-mannered than she really is.
Lady, a woman who will make you believe that she has no anus.
ReplyDeleteLADY, n. One done by a gentleman, Mr. Zimmerman.
ReplyDeleteGosh, Harry. Nose-powdering sounds dainty enough.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, TLP. I had a friend back in Iowa whose definition was "wouldn't say 'sh*t' if she had a mouthful."
He might be a lady now, Jenn. You could be one too.
Pia, I'm sure I don't know that phrase but thank you for answering the call.
Come on Quilly, not everyone can be Quilldancer gracious.
Ha, Ariel. See my response to TLP.
Great song, Amoeba, but I like the version with The Band best.
That depends on what part of Nevada you're driving through and how thirsty you are, Actonbell.
I knew a lady, her name was Lula.
ReplyDeletethe Woman of the past had become simply a Lady Lodger, meth had long ago grabbed her soul.....Peace
ReplyDeletedeferential is kind of sticking in my throat.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the National Geographic, The American Kennel Club has just released its list of most “pup-ular” names for dogs.
ReplyDeleteTop 5 names for female dogs:
1. LADY
2. Belle/Bell/Bella
3. Princess
4. Mae/May
5. Rose
Leading the list for male dogs:
1. Bear
2. Blue
3. Max/Maximums/Maxwell
4. Duke
5. Buddy
That waren't no lady, Icy! That's my cousin!
ReplyDeleteBear, I so it is with every lady.
I don't doubt it, Cooper. This is a descriptive, not a prescriptive lexicon.
Terry, Walela didn't make the list again this year?
Not a termagant--outwardly.
ReplyDeleteStyx. Not to be confused with la-la-lola.
ReplyDeleteyeah, so I'm a few days late. My loss.