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A Potpourri of Poetic Curiosities

Viewing comments for Chapter 55 "Fubar"
A collection of poems showcasing unusual words

12 total reviews 
Comment from Ogden
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Craig, I'm sorry to tell you your poem has some serious problems.
First of all 'anachronym' isn't a word. I think you meant 'anachronism,' but that means something (misused) from the past, which wouldn't work anyhow. You couldn't have meant 'acronym' (abbreviation, like UCLA or NASA).

In case you decide to re-write, I'd advise not using 'fubar,' (a terrific word) because nobody knows what it means, and few people would take the trouble to look it up.

The fiver is for your good intentions. I know you'd like to nail the creep.

Again, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Don


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 Comment Written 26-Feb-2018


reply by the author on 26-Feb-2018
    No Don, anacronym IS a word - I refer you to my author notes at the bottom. It's actually a conjunction of acronym and anachronism, coined in the 1970s. Also, fubar IS explained, also in the author notes at the bottom. It is also an anacronym. Thanks for your good intention, but it does help to read the notes. Cheers, Craig
reply by Ogden on 26-Feb-2018
    Craig, I really am on your side, and I still think your piece doesn't communicate what you intend it to. Before my previous message, I did check dictionaries and googled 'anachronym,' because I wanted to be absolutely sure I wasn't leading you astray.

    As I said, 'Fubar' is a great word to know, although few people do. (Actually, it's a clean version of the old army expression 'snafu.' (situation normal, all f'd up').

    But I do believe that your explanation that 'anachronym' is a 'conjunction' of acronym (abbreviation) and anachronism (misused phrase), has no meaning,

    And most misleading of all is that, while reading, the reader doesn't know that the entire poem is referring only to its very last word - fubar.

    I hope you don't resent my persistence. It is my intention to be helpful.

    Don



reply by the author on 26-Feb-2018
    Hi Don, Firstly, I appreciate you have my best interests at heart, but I too only want there to be no misunderstandings.

    I'm not sure what you googled, because I googled "anachronym" (your spelling), and got 10,100 results. I then googled anacronym (my spelling, taken from the book), and got 7,180,000 hits. These included numerous dictionaries, including my go-to one of choice - The Oxford Dictionary.

    The reason I'm answering your objections, and not just letting it slide is that my entire project this year is based on using obscure or anachronistic words, taken from a particular book. If you have a problem with the word I've used in this poem, then it's highly likely you will find issues with every poem I post this year, as a lot of these words (unlike this one) don't actually appear in dictionaries.

    Returning to this particular word, to say it has no meaning is to dispute the numerous dictionaries which give the meaning.

    Again, thanks for your input - Craig
reply by Ogden on 26-Feb-2018
    Thanks for for your reply, Craig. i want you to know i would not have the same issue with your other poems. I just wasn't able to get my point across. C'est la vie.

    At any rate, Good luck in the contest.

    Don

Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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I love that word! I suppose it is similar to faux pas, which means the same thing, a mistake, but this word is slightly different because it includes swearing I believe 'f**ked up". Anyway back to your write. Great rhyming scheme and flow, however I'm not sure I agree with the sentiments because we are never going to get rid of guns and if someone has a mind to get a gun and shoot innocent people then it is difficult to stop them. But everyone including teachers, pupils and security staff should be vigilant at all times and if it means locking children inside classrooms for their own protection, then this may be the only option! Love Dolly x

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 Comment Written 26-Feb-2018


reply by the author on 26-Feb-2018
    I'd say your country has done a pretty good job of getting rid of guns. Even the ordinary cops don't have them. Arming teachers with handguns to take on assault rifles is not a smart course of action in my opinion. Thanks for the neat review :) Cheers, Craig
reply by Dolly'sPoems on 26-Feb-2018
    The cops have never had guns and it?s the old old story, once you?ve let the genie (guns) out of the bottle, you can?t get it back in again! Love Dolly x