Humdinger

 

Humdinger

Sometimes my fingers take on an independent life and type something quite other than I intended. For example, while looking up ‘humdinger’ I inadvertently typed, humdinbgerf. It was quite a pleasing word, I felt, and Bing agreed, saying, That’s quite a word you’ve invented there — humdinbgerf has a fun, bouncy rhythm to it. It feels like it could mean anything from a mythical creature to the sound your brain makes when it’s overloaded.

I typed again and this time created hjumdinger, to which Bing responded with, hjumdinger has a totally different vibe from your earlier invention — it feels sharper, almost like a word that announces itself.

It could easily be:

·         a quirky gadget (“Pass me the hjumdinger, the screws are tiny”)

·         a celebratory exclamation (“Well that’s a real hjumdinger of a win”)

·         or even a creature that lives in the corner of a fantasy tavern, judging everyone silently

In addition to mistyping, there’s the accidental striking of the CAPS KEY AND THE CHAOS THAT CREATES.

Occasionally, one of the cats, usually Jellicoe, walks across the keyboard, exercising his inner creativity. This becomes more pronounced the closer it gets to one of his mealtimes.

 

 

 

A ‘Wake Up!’ call

2026

Neil,from ‘Yorkshire Pudding,’ left a comment on a blog post of mine from seventeen years ago, 24^th February, 2009, to be precise. I struggled out of my semi-comatose state to visit his blog, where I enjoyed reading about the licentious goings-on at the Laughing Horse Awards and was astonished to discover that I had been unexpectedly honoured. Neil took the words right out of my keyboard when he quoted me saying, “never in my wildest dreams did I expect to receive such a prestigious accolade.”

So, thank you, Neil. I am indeed flattered. What you may not have realised is that I have been struggling to break free of an encroaching lassitude and wondering if I should continue to blog.

The last few years have been difficult, for several reasons, though now there is the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. I am only too aware that many others have far worse matters to contend with. My life, in general, has been blessed, and I remain thankful for good health and a loving and supportive husband and family.

A few hours days of introspection made me realise that I still want the outlet blogging gives me and so I shall continue. Bad luck, all!

Well, it has been a humdinger of a start to a new year. Do people still say ‘humdinger?’  Apparently, it’s a late 19^th century American colloquialism. Bing (not Crosby) informs me that “Humdinger” is an Americanism from the late 1800s, most likely formed by blending two earlier slang words — hummer (something energetic or excellent) and dinger (something outstanding). The earliest known printed use is from 1883 in a Montana newspaper.”  So now I know, and will probably forget.

Anyway, 2026 promises to be interesting. The President of the United States continues to disengage from reality and wreck his country’s international relationships. There are many amusing memes and cartoons, but there is an underlying fear of what the future holds. Those who know are busy analysing and forecasting.

                                     This, from Debby at ‘Life’s Funny Like That,’ made me laugh so much, and gave me hope that common sense will prevail and prevent the world hurling itself into a maelstrom of disaster.

Belatedly, Happy New Year, everyone. May all your troubles be little ones and all your pleasures be prodigious.