[Jayne Osborn]

Hi Aaron,

I'd suggest leaving out the word gin (which you don't need to capitalise, anyway) in your definition of 'ginsanity' - it's rather obvious.

What about using a famous brand name instead?
For example: Gordon's (topical, politically!) Or there's the exotic Bombay Sapphire, which is very popular.

But you don't usually feel deranged when you're drinking - it's later on.
And for 'name-brand fashions' the phrase 'designer labels' is more usual.
Sorry for the nits but with such sparse definitions it needs to be really tight. Short and sweet works well, though!

[Aaron Asbury]

Thanks Jayne,

I rather agree that 'designer labels' would sound better. As for the bit about derangement not occurring while drinking, I suppose I see it differently. Usually I have found that to be the time in which it does occur. Regarding the brands of gin, I see the point, but worry about such specificity taking away from the effect. As for gin being implied, wouldn't you agree that many definitions are quite obvious?

Sadly, I have over-zealously already submitted the above. *sighs* Perhaps next time I won't be so hasty, and can imploy the useful tips.

Aaron.

[Jayne Osborn]

Never mind that you've sent it already, Aaron - you can submit as many entries as you like to The Speccie, so why not do some more? We've got till March 3rd for this comp.
Yes, I agree that many definitions are indeed obvious, though in this particular case I think a bit of sublety is preferable!
I'm afraid it's nearly midnight over here now, and it's back to school tomorrow after a lovely half-term week off.
Catch up with you on the sphere later!

[John Whitworth]

Aaron, I see no reason why you should not resubmit the amended copy, asking Lucy to spike the earlier effort. I'm sure she will. Though the Speccie may seem like a world wide conspiracy like Communism orChristian Science it is actually a pretty small and rickety organisation. Good Lord, it used to be run by Boris Johnson so you can understand what it's like.

[Aaron Asbury]

Thanks for the good tip, and indeed I shall do just that!

[Roger Slater]

Spectator

(a) Spectrator -- one who cancels his subscription to the Spectator

(b) Spectutor -- one who teaches contestants how to win weekly magazine contests

(c) Pectator --- exercise equipment for building strong chest muscles

[Aaron Asbury]

I love the wit, Roger!

[John Whitworth]

So do I. Roger, you are fashioning yourself into a serious contender. Every week you produce potentially winning stuff. Am I wrong or do I remember yu as a writer of children's verse? The skills, it strikes me, are not at all dissimilar. Do not forget, I, your Spectutor, am a writer of Children's verse. Of course nowadays I pretend it is grown-ups verse and, hey, nobody really knows the difference.

[Jayne Osborn]

John,

The time difference between us and our friends across the pond obviously impinges on our posts; I gave up just before midnight last night, while you kept going I see - and your next post was at 5.30am our time. Don't you ever sleep??? (Er...they do say you need less sleep as you get older!)

RogerBob,

TOTAL brilliance!!!!!!!!!!!! I know it's naff to use lots of exclamation marks but I don't care - you deserve them.

[Aaron Asbury]

Crunk

a) scrunk - a bizarre and contorted facial expression, which often interprets as: "What have you been smoking?"

b) cronk - the unfortunate hangover effect after one has been crunk.
Example: "Last night the party was crunk, but today I'm just feeling cronk."

c) runk - the foul odor emitting from athletic sneakers.