-
OXYMORON
One of the most interesting features of the English language, or I suppose of many other languages as well, has to do with the term, oxymoron. The word is taken from the Greek words for sharp and dull. The definition is a figure of speech in which two incongruous or contradictory words exist side by…
-
GOD IS A REPUBLICAN
I have never been known for clear thinking on ecclesiastical matters. As a matter of fact, I am perhaps the last one to catch on to the fact that God is a Republican. I could have deduced that from my own reasoning, but a cloud of uncertainty hung over my identifying the Republican Party and…
-
DID THE WELSH THROW IN THE TOWEL WITH THE BRITS?
The title of this essay may arouse some question. This essay is about the Welsh people who are my fellow Celts. It is also about a boxing term having to do with throwing in the towel. When there are two fighters involved in a boxing match, there are occasions when one fighter may have beaten…
-
A POLYGAMY OF ESSAYETTES
I am well aware of the fact that the three essayettes to follow may be called a trio of essayettes. But I have elected not to do that. I have elected to call them a polygamy of essayettes. There is nothing wrong with trio or, if there is a fourth essay, calling it a…
-
MILITARY SPEAK
Those of you who have followed Ezra’s Essays know of my interest in language. For example, on several occasions I have pointed out that my parents spoke “country speak.” When I go to the physician’s office, he speaks “doctor speak.” That will give you an idea of what is in store in the following essay.…
-
BLACK SPEAK
There are a few languages that I am conversant with. One is country speak which has an essay or more dedicated to it. The other is black speak. Black speak is the language used by those who trace their ancestry to Africa. I am conversant with both of these mutations of the English language but…
-
GOING VIRAL
My ancient and good friend, Sven Lernevall, is an astute observer of the English language. You may recall that it was Sven who offered the opinion that the English language is “a rich language.” From time to time, I have tried to keep up with the changes in the language as I continue to marvel…