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The Cynic's Word Book

 

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NECTAR n. A drink served at banquets of the Olympian deities. The secret of its preparation is lost, but the modern Kentuckians believe that they come pretty near to a knowledge of its chief ingredient.
Juno drank a cup of nectar,
But the draught did not affect her.
Juno drank a cup of rye--
Then she bad herself good-bye.

J.G.

NEGRO n. The piece de resistance in the American political problem. Representing him by the letter n, the Republicans begin to build their equation thus: "Let n = the white man." This, however, appears to give an unsatisfactory solution.
NEIGHBOR n. One whom we are commanded to love as ourselves, and who does all he knows how to make us disobedient.
NEPOTISM n. Appointing your grandmother to office for the good of the party.
NEWTONIAN adj. Pertaining to a philosophy of the universe invented by Newton, who discovered that an apple will fall to the ground, but was unable to say why. His successors and disciples have advanced so far as to be able to say when.
NIHILIST n. A Russian who denies the existence of anything but Tolstoi. The leader of the school is Tolstoi.
NIRVANA n. In the Buddhist religion, a state of pleasurable annihilation awarded to the wise, particularly to those wise enough to understand it.
NOBLEMAN n. Nature's provision for wealthy American minds ambitious to incur social distinction and suffer high life.
NOISE n. A stench in the ear. Undomesticated music. The chief product and authenticating sign of civilization.
 
Old English 'word lottery' pick

Algological : a. Of or pertaining to algology; as, algological specimens.

 
The Cynic's Word Book by Ambrose Bierce published in 1906 and 1911.
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