Vote for the best verboticism.
DEFINITION: n., A gallant gesture which does not produce the desired effect because of poor execution. v., To offer a small gesture of assistance, which backfires as you trip over your own kind intentions.
Verboticisms
Click on each verboticism to read the sentences created by the Verbotomy writers, and to see your voting options...
You have two votes. Click on the words to read the details, then vote your favorite.
Backsquire
Created by: mplsbohemian
Pronunciation: BAK-skwyre
Sentence: Alex, ever the backsquire, spread out his coat for his date to cross a puddle, only to put her in the way of the spray of a speeding car.
Etymology: backfire + squire (a gentleman)
Oopsamaritan
Created by: hooterbug
Pronunciation: oops/sə mer′ə tən
Sentence: I had a hard time looking concerned when the spinning door trapped the head of the Oopsamaritan that had so gallantly held the door for me.
Etymology: Oops! + Samaritan (A compassionate person who unselfishly helps others)
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COMMENTS:
funny - Jabberwocky, 2008-09-24: 13:18:00
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Shrivelry
Created by: Nosila
Pronunciation: shriv el ree
Sentence: When he got caught twice in the revolving door after allowing his date to go through first, Lance A. Lott experienced the agony of shrivelry. Once a knight is enough.
Etymology: Shrivel (to wither;decrease in size,range or extent) & Chivalry (gallantry,courtesy,medieval principles of knighthood)
Gomeresqe
Created by: svnfsvn
Pronunciation: based on gomer/homer
Sentence: I appeared gomeresge when my pants ripped during changing tire on freeway.
Etymology:
Chivalgaffe
Created by: xirtam
Pronunciation: shiv-uh l-gaf
Sentence: Robert commited a chivalgaffe when he closed the car door on his dates leg.
Etymology: ME: chivalrie + F: gaffe
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COMMENTS:
Also chivalwrong - milorush, 2007-10-26: 09:24:00
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Beaujest
Created by: Jabberwocky
Pronunciation: bo/jest
Sentence: My beau geste quickly turned into a beaujest as I slipped on the ice trying to help an elderly lady across the street. She fractured her hip and I bruised my ego.
Etymology: beau geste (gracious gesture) + jest
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COMMENTS:
Clever! - OZZIEBOB, 2007-10-28: 02:28:00
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Fauxcilitation
Created by: milorush
Pronunciation: (n.) fō-sĭl'ĭ-tā'shən; (tr. v.) fō-sĭl'ĭ-tāt'
Sentence: Henri's poor reflexes and terrible eyesight usually turn his eager attempts to help his friends into nightmarish and dangerous moments of fauxcilitation which usually finish up at the local emergency room.
Etymology: Faux = from faux pas = blunder + [fac]ilitation = The act of making easy or easier.
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COMMENTS:
A shade of meaning might include a subconscious lack of desire to actually help out, which might lead to a purposeful poor or "fake" ("faux") effort to assist. - milorush, 2007-10-26: 07:04:00
A shade of meaning might include a subconscious lack of desire to actually help out, which might lead to a purposefully poor or "fake" ("faux") effort to assist. - milorush, 2007-10-26: 07:05:00
Interesting and good blend! - OZZIEBOB, 2007-10-28: 02:28:00
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Magnanamoops
Created by: libwen
Pronunciation: mag 'nan a moopz
Sentence: If it weren't for his spectacular magnanamoops while trying to refill Jill's wine glass, Greg would certainly be on a second date right now.
Etymology: magnanamous + oops
Adversassisty
Created by: Jabberwocky
Pronunciation: ad/vurs/assist/ee
Sentence: My well meaning offer of assistance quickly turned into an adversassisty as I slipped on the ice trying to help an elderly lady across the street. She fractured her hip and I bruised my ego.
Etymology: assist + Adverse (harmful, injurious) + adversity (mishap, misfortune)
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COMMENTS:
Ha Ha! I'd bruise my ego and shatter my own hip as well. - zxvasdf, 2008-09-24: 19:25:00
I like it:flows nicely. - OZZIEBOB, 2008-09-25: 18:19:00
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Majestiklutz
Created by: dredryder
Pronunciation:
Sentence: "It is a wonder he has any face left; he is so prone to majestiklution!"
Etymology: too obvious - "majestic" and "klutch" (a "klutz" who panics in a pinch)
Comments:
Today's definition was suggested by ErWenn. Thank you ErWenn! ~ James
After you. No after you. No after you. No after yooooooeeeeouwwww!
Kevcom - 2007-10-26: 07:38:00
Awesome cartoon James! That is so funny - I was almost dyin' of laughter of the expression on the guys face...
Thanks to Kevcom and Petaj for your hurteous thoughts and magnanimistakian clobbergestures ~ James
Lidipop - 2007-10-26: 10:19:00
I actually printed this one out...it's so good, well done!!!
We must not forget to thank ErWenn again for his generous courteslip. ~ James
purpleartichokes - 2007-10-26: 18:57:00
Yes, thank you ErWenn and James. Fabulous contributions from you two!
yellowbird - 2008-09-24: 11:49:00
Haven't we seen this definition before?
petaj - 2008-09-26: 04:19:00
Yep - looking forward to some new ones
Today's definition was suggested by ErWenn. Thank you ErWenn. ~ James