DON’T YOU JUST LOVE
THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE?
Thank heavens for those
who mangle the English language. The likes of the Reverent Spooner and
Sheridan's Mrs Malaprop bring to the language a sparkle and a sense of humour
and, if it doesn't drive you to distraction, it invigorates and amuses. In A Decapitated Coffee, Please, author Des
MacHale has collected a whole book of malapropisms. It should be on every writer’s bookshelf. (Quote: “General Rommel
commanded Hitler's Pansy Division...” Now, where can I use that?)
In my novels, I have created a couple
of characters whose personalities are moulded by their, shall we say, unique
approach to the English language.
In my book The Indigo Kid, Stella Goodstar runs the
Sixty-Nine Club, a porn-slash-spiritual store (she doesn't know which end to
cater for, so she combines the two). She has decided to dispense with the
posters on the walls as someone has promised to ‘paint a nice Muriel on the
wall’. And: 'That Peter Shepherd...A real fox in the penthouse, that
one.'
In Rusty and Slasher and the Circus from Hell the priest, Father
Shamus Appelbaum, follows in the splendid footsteps of Rev Spooner by urging
his congregation to ‘hollow their fart’. Slasher is not averse to mangling the
language either. 'Maybe that's because wriggle mortis had set in.' Slasher gave a theatrical shudder. 'Now I know why they call them stiffs. He was like a cardboard box with legs.'
Creating such characters
is fun. And that's what it's all about, isn't it? This writing lark. Having
fun. Creating characters you like, that are maybe a little spark of your own
inner, hidden, self. Characters you wouldn't mind having a cuppa with.
Comparisons are odorous,
I know. I will never write a spy novel, like John le Carré, about a Soviet agent
who defecated to the West. I will never write a classic like Lame is Rob by Victor Hugo or Don Coyote by Servants. I may never win
the Pullet Surprise with my novels but, boy, I've had fun.
(Malapropisms are
thanks to Mr MacHale.)
Jenny Harrison
Good to read from an author who tells us writing is not 'all sweat and tears' Jenny.
ReplyDeleteLaughter is the best medicine but chuckles should be taken 3x a day - like good food - I reckon. Thanks. You've helped my day along the way.
great post, Jenny
ReplyDeleteThere's no doubt about it, humour in writing is marvellous. I agree with your comments entirely, Jenny.
ReplyDelete