ENGLISH-28

 ENGLISH-28

Clarification

Before we embark on the week’s theme, let me try to offer an explanation sought by one of our esteemed readers –Mr. Ram on the right pronunciation of the word ‘often’ ; he had himself  presented two options- OFFEN and 2 OF T EN . Authentic sources endorse the use of both as acceptable; however, OFFEN  enjoys global acceptance though “OFTEN” is not dismissed as incorrect.

Sorry Mr. Ram for my delayed response; please bear with my lethargy. K.Raman

ENGLISH -28

PARAPROSDOKIAN

Before we go about understanding the term and its relevance in the realm of applications of language, it is intriguing in that the language holds baskets of surprises even for those who earnestly believe that they have a fairly strong grip of the vocabulary of English; yes, honestly our ’vocabulary’ liberally falls short of the ideal  requirements that can be fielded as fairly complete as to receive accolades. The richness of terms [known+ unknown together] in English politely renders us poverty-stricken in vocabulary and usage as vital basics of the language. Besides, if only we keep our senses receptive –as to be pruned by right correctives whenever relevant, it would politely suggest that our use of terms/ grammar have hither to been  tolerated  or  persons around us have been even more shallow in deciphering our inadequacies.

Be that as it may, the day’s term “PARAPROSDOKIAN” is a noun and seems to have originated from Greek and it means “contrary to expectation’ .The situation where the term finds ready application is in describing statements or phrases that carry a second half which contradicts the earlier part. So, in a way two different meanings are delivered by such  statements . Quite often, the effect turns out to be comic or perhaps some cryptic satire –well articulated.

[ par-uh-prohz-doh-kee-uhn ] is the pronunciation for the word by

 Dictionary.com

Any further interpretative effort  can disturb the reader as a case of protraction to near intimidation .Being aware of ‘thus far’ and ‘no farther ‘ limits of reception, let us visit examples that stand proof of ‘PARPROSDOKIAN’ status from instances available.

Paraprosdokian or such references are found in different sources like comedians, writers and political personalities as well. Consequently, it appears a legitimate weapon in the armour of any user for delivering a fierce punch. Having said that, let us bring out such statements  and ‘enjoy’ the effect there from .

COMEDIANS

I HAVE HAD A PERFECTLY  WONDERFUL EVENING, BUT THIS WAS NOT IT.  –Groucho Marx

HE TAUGHT ME HOUSE-KEEPING;WHEN I DIVORCE, I KEEP THE HOUSE-  ZSA ZSA GABOR

MY HUSBAND CAN’T STAND TO SEE TRASH AND GARBAGE LYING AROUND THE HOUSE HE CAN’T STAND THE COMPETITION.-PHYLLIS DILLER

I AM A VERY TOLERANT MAN EXCEPT WHEN IT COMES TO HOLDING A GRUDGE- ROBIN WILLIAMS

I SAW A BANK THAT SAID “24 HOUR BANKING” but I don’t have that much time. –Stephen Wright

WHEN YOU FIRST ENTERED THE RESTAURANT, I THOUGHT YOU WERE HANDSOME, BUT YOU SPOKE- AS GOOD AS IT GETS [1997\

WRITERS

GIVING UP SMOKING IS THE EASIEST THING IN THE WORLD.I know because I have done it a thousand times.-MARK TWAIN

HE IS THE WRITER FOR THE AGES;… FOR THE AGES 4 ---8 –DOROTHY PARKER

POLITICAL  HISTORY

WE CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON THE AMERICANS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AFTER THEY HAVE EXHAUSTED ALL THE OTHER POSSIBILITIES -                       WINSTON CHURCHILL

BLESSED ARE THE YOUNG FOR THEY SHALL INHERIT THE  NATIONAL DEBT- HERBERT HOOVER

YOU KNOW NOTHING FOR SURE EXCEPT THAT YOU KNOW NOTHING FOR SURE. JOHN F KENNEDY

THREE MAY KEEP A SECRET IF TWO OF THEM ARE DEAD –BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Such is the propensity of ‘paraprosdokian’ and has come to the rescue of varied personalities in providing a ‘telling effect’.

Source: Jennifer Gunner [your Dictionary] is gratefully acknowledged.

Prof. K. Raman