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)
Behalfgaffe
Created by: Wordfanne
Pronunciation:
Sentence: When Roland stood up to allow a pregnant, fellow-bus-rider his seat, his behalfgaffe of stepping on another woman's skirt hem, pulling its waist to her knees, rather nullified his desired "effect".
Etymology:
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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Urbean
Created by: Stevenson0
Pronunciation: ur/bean
Sentence: John's attempt to be urbane, chivalrous, courteous, polite and just plain well-mannered became urbean when his head got jammed in the doorway helping a damsel in distress.
Etymology: urbane + Mr. Bean
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COMMENTS:
Would never have thought to go down the Mr. Bean road. Great word! - purpleartichokes, 2007-10-26: 19:01:00
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Zeable
Created by: KenM2
Pronunciation: zea-bull
Sentence: Nice zeabull you pulled back there, wonder if you should have offered to pick up the old lady you dropped while helping her to cross the street.
Etymology: Zeal+Stumble
Galahadaglitch
Created by: Mustang
Pronunciation: gal-ah-had-uh-glich
Sentence: It always seems that the harder Freeman tries to be a charming knight in shining armor the more often he experiences a new galahadaglitch, where his best efforts backfire and leave him looking like the dork that he actually is.
Etymology: Blend of galahad, had, and glitch.
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COMMENTS:
nice word - Jabberwocky, 2008-09-24: 13:16:00
Very good. - OZZIEBOB, 2008-09-25: 18:18:00
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Gallnerdant
Created by: looseball
Pronunciation:
Sentence: After that gallnerdant attempt,I dipped my head an ran.
Etymology:
Genteelgaffe
Created by: thebaron
Pronunciation:
Sentence: If it wasn't for his genteelgaffe, she might have spoken to him.
Etymology:
Whipgesture
Created by: runner
Pronunciation: wip jest your
Sentence: Ted suffered a painful whipgesture while trying to hold the door open for Lisa.
Etymology: whip: move briskly, gesture: an act toward another person
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