Category Archives: words

noun:

A choice without an alternative; the thing offered or nothing.

Fagan’s defense revolves around his insistence that he faced a Hobson’s choice and had to act.
– Laura Parker, “Discovery of daughters never followed by reunion”, USA Today, May 11, 1999

The origin of the term Hobson’s choice is said to be in the name of one Thomas Hobson (ca. 1544-1631), at Cambridge, England, who kept a livery stable and required every customer to take either the horse nearest the stable door or none at all.

[I realize technically this is two words, but you can handle it, I think. And hey, this is your choice: take it or leave it!]

Have you heard of a Hobson’s choice? I love the origin of it (and how they show you the pronunciation of “choice”), too. It’s like Mommy’s choice: eat this hot cereal for breakfast or get nothing at all. Wear this last pair of clean pants or nothing (dangerous choice here, as Kid loves the naked option….).

For a more sober example, take this demotion or be out of work. I believe a few bank employees around here have this Hobson’s choice.

Have you had any Hobson’s choice lately?

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This episode showed me just how slow my mind has become, post-childbearing. No one ever told me that “milk brain” lasts for…..ever. The five remaining designers had to design an outfit for each other, in a particular musical genre. I was so confused. Every time I looked at what one designer wore I had to remember which other designer did the actual designing. A designer becoming a model on PR is like holding a mirror up to a mirror. Or maybe it’s more like telling me to call Ernie, “Bert”, and call Bert, “Ernie.” Either way, it gave me a headache.

Thank God that woman who looked like Leanne was already eliminated, or I would have had to take out my contacts and watch the rest of the show as a blur.

Once I finally got it straight at the end, in front of the judges, I realized Leanne looked ridiculous because of Kenley. Nice. You could tell those two were never friends.

Is everyone sick of Kenley, now, by the way? Has she diss’d Tim enough, yet? Dear, sweet Tim. I am all for arrogant artists remaining true to their vision (as you can tell from this blog, right?), but Kenley, oh Kenley, grow up. Tim knows of which he speaks, and he is no Simon Cowell. You can see he cares about these arrogant ingrates creative newcomers.

And Suede, well, Suede got to wear the winning outfit when he got booted. So he looked good leaving.

Hey, anyone notice a resemblance to our democratic primary with who might be in the finals? We’re down to Korto, Jerrell, Leanne and Kenley. We’ll either have a woman, an African American or both as the winner. I’m hoping for the both (Korto)! Foreshadowing by the producers? Another move by that “liberal Hollywood” to subtly push this country left? Dumb luck?

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noun:

A worn-out strumpet; a vixenish woman; a hag.

As the vulgar, scornful, desperate Martha, Miss Hagen makes a tormented harridan horrifyingly believable.
– Howard Taubman, “The Theater: Albee’s ‘Who’s Afraid’”, New York Times, October 15, 1962

Harridan probably comes from French haridelle, “a worn-out horse, a gaunt woman.”

Seems like I should have known this word. Do you?

Now that I had that exciting birthday, I’m particularly feeling the “worn-out” part of this definition. Not so much the strumpet part, although I do love the word, “strumpet.” It sounds so….perky and fun.

Buying these the other day at the grocery store may have added to my worn-out feeling:

I’ve been nearsighted for decades (oh, I AM so old). If I can’t see up close now as I round over the hill, what is left? Eyeball transplant? Next year, maybe I’ll have the thrill of graduating to bifocal contact lenses. I just don’t even comprehend how those work, swirling around on my eyeball. Look, up close! Now, look far away! How do you not get a headache?

At least now with these little blue babies, I can see my fingernails to file them. We harridans need to keep our nails in shape.

Know any harridans? You don’t have to name names….

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blackguard \BLAG-uhrd\, noun:

1. A rude or unscrupulous person; a scoundrel.
2. A person who uses foul or abusive language.
3. Scurrilous; abusive; low; worthless; vicious; as, “blackguard language.”
4. To revile or abuse in scurrilous language.

Monroe wondered, but did not ask, what could have driven a young lady of such fine bearing and aristocratic attraction to leave home at a tender age and follow the fortunes of a blackguard like Reynolds.
– William Safire, Scandalmonger

Blackguard is from black + guard. The term originally referred to the lowest kitchen servants of a court or of a nobleman’s household. They had charge of pots and pans and kitchen utensils, and rode in wagons conveying these during journeys from one residence to another. Being dirtied by this task, they were jocularly called the “black guard.”

I first read this word and thought, “hey, that’s Kid when overheard muttering after being sent to her room for not listening to me.” She’s been heard to say such sweet nothings like, “STUPID Mommy!” and “She’s trying to destroy us all!!” (never short on drama at the Let the Dog In household).

But, then, as I read the origins of this word, I realized I am the blackguard.

And I even suspect the Dog as blackguard when she grumbles and moans when Kid comes near her with a scarf or hat (must it be a person using foul language?)….

Who’s the blackguard in your household?

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