The Death of Fissiparous and Other Words: A Dictionary of Words & Phrases on the Verge of Extinction

picayune

pi-kee-YOON

adjective, noun

something of little or no value; small or petty minded; a nit-picker

1903William Cowper BrannBrann The IconoclastAt a time when the industrial problem is pressing upon us with ever increasing power, it is discouraging to hear grown Americans prattling of 'unhorsing' economic adversaries—priding themselves on polemical fence, like shyster lawyers, and seeking victory through sophistry rather than truth by honest inquiry. That is not patriotism, but a picayune partisanship which I profoundly pity.1995Larry McMurtryDead Man's WalkMany Rangers thought Bigfoot's point somewhat picayune, since the Mexican could not have screamed louder if he had been being tortured by fifty men…2001David DrakeForeign LegionsWe in the Trade Commission do not feel that our concerns are either picayune or asinine!

Labels: David Drake, Larry McMurtry, William Cowper Brann

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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copacetic

ko-PUH-set-ik

adjective

all's well; satisfactory; acceptable; OK; fine

1986David DrakeThe Tank LordsIt's all copacetic.1987Jim ThompsonThe Rip OffThen everything's copacetic, right, Britt?1989James Lee BurkeBlack Cherry BluesEverything's copacetic.1990James EllroyL.A. ConfidentialAssuming that Whalen and Mickey don't collide upon the Mick's release, things look hunky-dory and copacetic, don't they?

Labels: David Drake, James Ellroy, James Lee Burke, Jim Thompson

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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inveigh

in-VAY

verb

to rail against; to bitterly complain; venting of disapproval

1861John Stuart MillUtilitarianismWe not uncommonly hear the doctrine of utility inveighed against as a godless doctrine.1869Matthew ArnoldCulture and AnarchyFor instance, when the Reform League orators inveigh against our cruel and bloated aristocracy, these invectives so evidently show the passions and point of view of the Populace, that they do not sink into the minds of those at whom they are addressed, or awaken any thought or self-examination in them.1884John Sherburne SleeperJack in the ForecastleBut Captain Thompson, the next day, when I received my half month's pay in advance, and informed him of my arrangements, called me a fool, and inveighed in bitter terms against the whole race of sailor landlords.2001David Drake Foreign Legions A few had chosen not to, and Father Timothy had agreed, under the circumstances, not to inveigh against them.

Labels: David Drake, John Sherburne Sleeper, John Stuart Mill, Matthew Arnold

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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