Hubris schmubris
The idea of this bit of doggerel is to remove prefixes often used to make negatives (in-, a-, dis-) so as to reverse the meaning. I put it in the parish magazine (without key) but had no replies to my invitation. The editor suggested that I should provide a key and put it in the mag again. This is what appeared. There were still no replies.
The idea of this bit of doggerel is to remove prefixes often used to make negatives (in-, a-, dis-) so as to reverse the meaning. I put it in the parish magazine (without key) but had no replies to my invitation. The editor suggested that I should provide a key and put it in the mag again. This is what appeared. There were still no replies.
You’ve got to accentuate the positive,
Eliminate the negative,
Latch on to the affirmative,
Don’t mess with Mister In-between.
Eliminate the negative,
Latch on to the affirmative,
Don’t mess with Mister In-between.
’40s song recorded by Bing Crosby with the Andrews Sisters
‘Art listless?’ do I hear?
Nay! Eye bright, step brisk, I’m radiantly ert.1
I motor in top gear.
While comrades’ wits are tact 2 all challenges I vert.3
With may 4 I feel no fear.
Nay! Eye bright, step brisk, I’m radiantly ert.1
I motor in top gear.
While comrades’ wits are tact 2 all challenges I vert.3
With may 4 I feel no fear.
I’m gruntled 5 with my fate
Enjoy quip ept,6 find troubles evitable.7
By nature I’m a grate 8
And most Nature I find effable.9
Too soon I shall be late.
You are invited to write a riposte, possibly in the same style, possibly incorporating the word ‘lustrious’.10
KEY
1. inert
2. intact
3. avert
4. dismay
5. disgruntled
6. inept
7. inevitable
8. ingrate
9. ineffable
10. illustrious
