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March 08, 2007
Word from an Israeli Mop
Karen and I just received this note from our cousins in Israel.
Dear Robert:
I hope you are all doing well and that you had a happy Purim. We had
great Purims. First on our yishuv, and a then on Shushan Purim in Jerusalem. Now starts the push to Passover.
I am a closet reader of Seraphic Secret. I enjoy it very much, although being the functional illiterate that I am, I don't quite get the Jane Austen quotes and references, even though I did read Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion countless years ago.
Along the same line (i.e. illiteracy) it seems to me that it may be somewhat "pompous" or daring to send you a word that seems to be unusual, since just because my wife and I don't recognize the word doesn't mean that it isn't well
known amongst you more literate types.
We found one such word on the label of a mop that we bought today.
Usually, when we find an unknown word on the label of a product we have bought in Israel, it turns out to be a "non-word," usually bastardization of an actual English word.
The word that was used to describe the mop was bibulous.
Now, assuming that this word is unknown to you and your literature-buff throngs, it is still probably not unusual enough to qualify for Seraphic Language since when you look at the actual meaning of the word, it makes sense (coming from the same source as the word "imbibe") but I thought it was a good excuse to drop you a line anyway.
bib-u-lous adj. excessively fond of drinking alcohol, late 17th century: in the sense absorbent: from the Latin bibulus, freely or readily drinking.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at March 8, 2007 09:30 AM
Comments
Seraphic Secret is private property, that's right, it's an extension of our home, and as such, Karen and I have instituted two Seraphic Rules and we ask commentors to act respectfully.
1. No profanity.2. No Israel bashing. We debate, we discuss, we are respectful. You know what Israel bashing is. The world is full of it. Seraphic Secret is one of the few places in the world that will not tolerate this form of anti-Semitism. That's it. Break either of these rules and you will be banned.
An alcoholic mop? Gotta love the image.
Robert - Note with what deference people address you. And these are your cousins yet.
p.s. - anyone who uses the word throngs can't be that illiterate.
Mata
Posted by: mata hari at March 8, 2007 10:44 AM
MH:
My cousin happens to be one of the most respected physicians on planet earth, and his wife is one of the most incredibly talented graphic designers in the known universe. They are both waaaay too modest.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.seraphicpress.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at March 8, 2007 11:01 AM
I can just see it in Ireland. Men squeezing their "mops" for another drink.
Hmmm, that doesn't sound right.
Posted by: Simon at March 8, 2007 12:50 PM
Simon:
Meshuganeh mop. Totally.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at March 8, 2007 01:12 PM
Is WF Buckley writing copy for mop companies now?
Posted by: Barzilai at March 8, 2007 01:15 PM
Ya think that these Israeli mops have to follow a 12-step program because they imbibe too much?
1. soak
2. squeeze
3. wring again
4. do "sponja"
5. soak
6. squeeze
REPEAT steps
Posted by: Pearl at March 8, 2007 01:40 PM