Balderage - 10/31/04 12:57 PM
In another thread, a poster who distrusted the answer of a "champion of Balderdash" accepted the answer as authoritative when it was seconded by the uncrowned champion of the same art form on AWADtalk.
This curiosity inspired the useful term "falderdash".
As it happens, "falderdash" has been used elsewhere in connection with the dialogues of Laurel and Hardy.
Happily, this prior usage does not distract from our own strain of "falderdash". It actually serves to elucidate it* -- as you will see for yourself at:
http://www.laurelandhardycentral.com/ollie.htm
Yet do not despair, AWADians-in-search-of-singular-etymological-distinction. We do have an opportunity here to create a truly original coinage.
By combining "Balderdash" and "Faldage", we come up with "Balderage".
"Balderage" may be defined as any dubious proposition which achieves authority with the credulous when it is endorsed by a person whose reputation is as doubtful, although less notoriously so, as the originator of the proposition.
Hence, "Balderage".
* "No other classic screen comedian is held in such contempt by the forces of the universe or is saddled with such an albatross as Stan. Ollie, who, above all other comedians, longs to conform to this world, to be liked and accepted and admired, is repeatedly knocked in the head, kicked in the shins, and dropped in a puddle of water for his troubles. The world rains on Ollie's private parade, and once he is completely drenched, Stan will accidentally knock him into a bathtub. But, eternal optimist that he is, Ollie will resume his leadership role the next day as he charges ahead, Don Quixote-like, towards the goals that Stan, society and the forces of nature have turned into elusive windmills."
This curiosity inspired the useful term "falderdash".
As it happens, "falderdash" has been used elsewhere in connection with the dialogues of Laurel and Hardy.
Happily, this prior usage does not distract from our own strain of "falderdash". It actually serves to elucidate it* -- as you will see for yourself at:
http://www.laurelandhardycentral.com/ollie.htm
Yet do not despair, AWADians-in-search-of-singular-etymological-distinction. We do have an opportunity here to create a truly original coinage.
By combining "Balderdash" and "Faldage", we come up with "Balderage".
"Balderage" may be defined as any dubious proposition which achieves authority with the credulous when it is endorsed by a person whose reputation is as doubtful, although less notoriously so, as the originator of the proposition.
Hence, "Balderage".
* "No other classic screen comedian is held in such contempt by the forces of the universe or is saddled with such an albatross as Stan. Ollie, who, above all other comedians, longs to conform to this world, to be liked and accepted and admired, is repeatedly knocked in the head, kicked in the shins, and dropped in a puddle of water for his troubles. The world rains on Ollie's private parade, and once he is completely drenched, Stan will accidentally knock him into a bathtub. But, eternal optimist that he is, Ollie will resume his leadership role the next day as he charges ahead, Don Quixote-like, towards the goals that Stan, society and the forces of nature have turned into elusive windmills."
