When I was a child...

I spoke as a child, but now that I'm adult - well, I'm pretty much still a kid at times. And what better time to be a kid than Halloween?

Never one to let work get in the way of good fun, this was me in the office today. Yes, I wore my witch's hat to work today. I confess I didn't wear it in the morning when I had external meetings, but for the afternoon it was on my head - and turning heads as people walked past, caught sight of me and laughed. Sometimes they even came back to make sure they did see what they thought they had.

To be honest, I'm not really sure why they were so surprised. I'm fairly daft at the best of times, and usually quick to give people a laugh at my expense. I don't believe in standing on my dignity - at least not when it's not really required. There are times, sure, when things need to be serious. But not all the time. And for those times, well, why not make people smile!

Anyway, it's Halloween. I've had justification to wear my witch's hat at work, without people asking why. I made people smile. What more could a girl ask for??

Euphemistically yours

A euphemism is (according to Wikipedia), a:

"substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression"

According to the less reverent (if that's the opposite of irreverent - incidentally, one of my unique qualities according to my boss. Hmm, not sure about that as a good reference comment!) Urban Dictionary, it's also variously defined as:

"the substitution of a milder, vaguer word or expression for one considered to be offensive or unpleasant"

or 

"trying to make the mean things you say sound nicer by using different words"

As in, Let's be friends instead of, You're kidding, not even with a paper bag on your head!

Some of my favourite euphemisms are

• 'falling pregnant' - which makes it sound like you can just trip in the street and whoops, there you go, pregnant again (or with child if you prefer). You could always be expecting or have a bun in the oven instead.
• tired and emotional - sounds so much better than p*ssed. Thank you, Private Eye!
• sleeping with - although it's a bit of a dim memory at the moment, I seem to remember, if it's at all worthwhile, not a lot of sleeping gets done. 
• calling on Huey, or for my non-Scottish readers, talking to God on the great white telephone, losing your lunch, or (apparently) blowing chunks. 
• Gardening leave

What about you? Any particular favourites you want to share?

But be warned, if you feel like doing a Google search for some choice examples and are of a delicate disposition, don't! Perhaps not unsurprisingly most of the euphemisms relate to matters of a sexual nature, or indeed intimate bodily functions (she said euphemistically!). On the other hand, if you want to broaden your education, go ahead, have fun with Google!!

Laugh, and the world laughs with you

I was reminded of this classic by a friend on Facebook tonight. And it really took me back, and made me laugh out loud. In fact I've spent the latter part of the evening on YouTube finding clips.

For those who don't know, this is just a very small clip from the late 1980s/early 1990s comedy show, The Mary Whitehouse Experience. Not to be confused with the real Mary Whitehouse, who most definitely would NOT have approved of said show.

I laughed so much I bought the show (on eBay) to paraphrase that old advert - and a prize to anyone who can tell me what the advert was for.

Anyway, thanks Emma for leading me back to the joys of Messrs Baddiel, Newman, Punt and Dennis. Guys, you were great together!

Ok, I know I'm childish ...

But I pass this tree every day on my way to and from work. And it just makes me giggle.

 Anyone else see what I see?