(Originally written back on February 19, 2020. Hopefully, still good for a laugh or two)
Oh, bejesus!
Living in the States, and sadly, not having any kind of broad international travel under my belt, there are words and phrases that one encounters outside these boundaries every so often that might raise the eyebrow, maybe enlighten a bit, and if one is lucky, make one nearly fall off their chair from laughter of their use.
In my American ignorance, I never thought of the word ‘lamp’ to be anything other than a word to describe an electrical fixture that provided light. How wrong and ignorant I am.
There are so many colloquialisms from the common people:
The definition of colloquial refers to words or expressions used in ordinary language by common people. An example of colloquial is casual conversation where some slang terms are used and where no attempt is made at being formal. yourdictionary.com
Aside from the common understanding of the word ‘lamp’…there are other meanings:
Now, in America…’lamping’ doesn’t necessarily mean you are lounging at home, in your underwear. One could also be ‘lamping’ in their pajama’s, while out and about in the local grocery store, pressing thumbs into fruits and vegetables to check on wanted ripeness.
And then, there is a whole entirely different meaning of the word ‘lamp’:
‘CASSELL’S DICTIONARY OF SLANG
LAMP verb: 1) [early 19th century and still in use]: To beat, to strike, to thrash. [[? verb lam]]
And how can this word be used in the everyday in a hysterical fashion?
Let’s check in with one of my hero’s on the radio waves – the most popular independent radio show in the UK – Richie Allen, highlighting a clip from an elderly and proper British lady, calling in to another talk show, laying out a bit of the womp ass she’d like to do on ‘Extinction Rebellion’.
I nearly fell out of my chair with laughter. Jesus, Mary and Joseph – how we need more people like “Donna from Kensington”.
(3 minute clip)
“I can’t do that while I’m lamping them” – frickin’ hysterical
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Tonight’s musical offering:
Lyle Lovett – “That’s Right, You’re Not From Texas”
Dispatches from the Asylum 