YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A GRUNTLE - THE ROBERT W. WHITAKER ARCHIVE

YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A GRUNTLE | 2004-09-29

I told Don that he was going to make my impeccable reputation peccable.

That reminded me of the word "disgruntled." It makes you wonder if anybody was ever gruntled.

Well, I don't know whether peccable is a word, but gruntle is. It means exactly the opposite of what it sounds like. The old English word "gruntled" meant "pleased." That is why "disgruntled" means displeased.

But can you imagine a word that sounds less like happy than gruntled?

COMMENTS (4)

#1 Don | 2004-09-29 16:57

Yes indeed, peccable is just fine. In fact, "We Gruntle the Peccable" would make an appropriate motto for some businesses.

#2 Elizabeth | 2004-09-30 16:53

"Peccable" would have something to do with being sinful or flawed.

"Impeccable" means flawless.

I think "peccare" is Latin for "to sin."

#3 Bob | 2004-10-02 17:04

Elizabeth is throwing Latin at me.

Look, if you Romans ain't gonna learn English you should go back where you came from.

#4 Bob | 2004-10-04 20:38

Don, good slogan. It might just work.