Firstly, I'd just like to stake a claim for being the first person to use the word "gallimaufry" on OLO.

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?article=11112#186455

(I think some sort of modest recognition - or even a small award - is probably in order : )

Allow me to extend you modest recognition, Poirot… You may also remember I recognised that you used it out of context and that it is where Dr Who lived. Of course dalma might have a prior claim, but only by about five years so it probably doesn't count.

Instead of an award how about a reward? Firkytoodle.

Almost coy in its original sense of canoodle – but base and brassy (a genuine 'f' word) in the mouths of Victorian maidens.

WmTrevor,

Eh?....dalma?....you're right!

Well in that case, I'll have to concede....although I did use it again in another thread this year (your Dr Who reference was to that instance) so perhaps I can claim a consolation award for the promotion of obscure English?

This essay isn't finished. Where is the bit about how unfair it is for women and how it's all men's fault?

Congratulations on your consolation... your Loganamnosis Award is waiting at reception.

Just a thought? As a cunning linguist it wouldn't be thrasonical to extend to you the title Mother Tongue.

I love "firkytoodle", Wm Trevor! I now seek--and will bring about, if needs be--the circumstances to employ that juicy word.

But I hasten to give pause for thought over that other item of contention: "gallimaufry". As an enduring viewer of Dr Who(with perhaps as many incarnations as the good Doctor himself)I would argue for a more homophonic orthography when writing the name of his home-planet. Listen to the actors " pronounce it and notice that it has only three syllables. I'm not sure if the producers of the series have ever given the word in print, but my transcription would be more like "gallifrae".

A little googling led to "Gallifrey" on this website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallifrey

But thank you Poirot and Wm Trevor. Our language can only benefit when its lovers "firkytoodle" with words!