The Associated Press has taken the trouble of listing down some of the mangled statements of outgoing President George W. Bush. Some of this may be called “malaprops” or “ay mali!” statements.
* * *
Examples of Bushisms (coined by AP), lifted from a recent issue of The Philippine STAR.
l “They misunderestimated the compassion of our country. I think they misunderestimated the will of the commander in chief too.
* * *
l “It was not always a given that the United States and America would have close relationship.” — In a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister.
* * *
l Make no mistake about it. I understand how tough it is, sir. I talked to the families who die.” — In a joint appearance with British PM Tony Blair.
* * *
l “Rarely is the question asked, is our children learning?”
* * *
Malapropism. It is a chronic misuse and abuse of the English language which a certain Mrs. Malaprops was accused of. And this has given birth to the term malapropism, according to Anthony Blake.
* * *
Some malapropisms in Anthony Blake’s collection of amusing statements:
l “Your whole fallacy is wrong.”
l “If your father was alive, he’d be turning in his grave.”
l “Don’t pay attention to him. Don’t even ignore him.”
l “Strategy is when you are out of ammunition but keep right on firing so that the enemy won’t know.”
* * *
Seriously now, I have just been told that Ma’am Nena Gullas’ father has passed away (I’m writing this column Saturday, Jan. 10). Ma’am Nena is our Sir Dodong’s dear wife. By the time this column is out, interment might have already been done. Just the same my condolence to Ma’am Nena and Sir Dodong and my prayers for the eternal rest of the couple’s Dad.
* * *
BOBIT SAYS. “There comes a moment each day when we must simply drop what weighs on us and hand it over to God ... May God bless you with what you pray for; reward you with what you work for; grant you with what you hope for; and surprise you with what you have not asked for.”
* * *
Email: nitzjab@yahoo.com