Word for Maureen

[Vic Jefferies]

When reading the dictionary yesterday (as is my want) I discovered "Houyhnhnm" pronounced hwiním, one of the strangest words I have ever seen and one I think Maureen might like.
It comes from the classic book Gulliver's Travels and means a horse with human characteristics.
Still trying to work out how to use it at the next dinner party.

[Heather]

I'm surprised that Neville hasn't used that one yet....

[Neville Briggs]

Jonathan Swift invented words for his novel, some are satirical anagrams ( e.g. Lilliput )
I suspect that this one is either a bit of invented horsie onomatopoeia, but more likely, since Swift's novel, Gulliver's Travels' is a social satire, that he made up a word intended to convey the idea of certain pompous people who sounded like horses when they blustered.

Anyway, horses don't have human characteristics only horsie characteristics.

The only horse that I have heard of with human characteristics is a centaur, which I have not found useful for bush poetry.

[manfredvijars]

... Mister Ed ??

[Bob Pacey]

Dangerous territory you are getting into there Nev


I know some people who's demeanor is similar to a horses rear end ?



Bob

[Neville Briggs]

I forgot about Mr Ed ( very forgettable ) and further back, there was Francis the talking donkey!!
they weren't too dangerous Bob

[Bob Pacey]

I make up words to ?


Holysnappinduckshit ?

well not really made up just words joined together but they still work for me.


Bob

[Neville Briggs]

Nah, hasn't got the poetic flair of houyhnhnm.

[Heather]

Sounds like you are trying to say something with your mouth full of food Neville.

[Neville Briggs]

That's what Mr Ed used to say when he laughed.