The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1906-10-22
A CYNIC'S DICTIONARY

1.-THE Cynic's Word Book" by Ambrose
Bierce. is just from the press of Double
/ day Page & Co. II Is a compilation Of
some OF the more poignant thrusts at the
worlds conventional foibles and follies
which Mr.. Bierce's sharp wit has been
making for years through the newspapers
with which he is connected and other
/ publications. 1t was a happy idea of
the publishers to collate these random
/ shots at folly as she flies" by a master
/ falconer. and undoubtedly the book viii
appeal strongly TO that select public
which Mr.. Bierce's work has attracted
and held II ought. also, TO add 10 thu
/ authors circle OF admirers. but not to his
fame, for that is secure in the keeping of
men and women throughout the English
speaking world who relish their literature
all the more when it is clothed in LAM
guage so felicitous and clear as that
which is habituany employed by Ambrose
! Biierce
The book consists Of more than two
hundred pages. and tn letter press binding
! is an unusually handsome specimen of
the latest development in the publishing
business. It's contents are arranged alpha
betically. so that the reader I'm search Of
an apt characterization Of some folly or
fancy, whatever may be its nature,
whether Of politics or religion, economies
or science, history or society, can easily
find ar expression that fits in happily
with his model Mr.. Bierce's cynicism
/ is never vicious. He Is too profound
philosopher 10 surrender to gloomy or for
bidding thoughts. His ratiocinatiOn, al
ways incisive. never leaves d jagged
wound. or one that smarts. His satire
elatcs and never Expresses. II soothes
the worried mind and exhilarates the
dropping spirit Any page Of The Cyn-
les Word Book" can be turned to in the
confident expectation that something in
struciive and clating viii be found there.
The volume is as tit for the business Office
as for the home library.
Following are examples of the defiHi-
tons to be found in the book;
ADMIRATION. n. Our polite recognition Of
anotherS resemblance 10 ourselves
AFRICAN. n negro that votes or way
ANlBTDEXTROUs. adj Able to pick with
equal sl-ih a rsht-hsnd pocket or a lcft.
APPETITE. n. An instinct tb0ughuuHy Inn
planted b. Providence as a solution 10 the labor
question.
BIGAAil. n. 4 mistake IN taste for which the
wisdom q the future will adiudge punishment
called trigsnv
BILLINGsGATE. n. The inTcctive Of an oD-
pouent.
BIGOT T. One who is obstiuately and zeal.
ously attached to an opinion that you do not
entertain.
CONGRESS. n. a body Of men who meet 10
repeal laws
CONDOLE. ? l. To show that bereavement
is smaller CYL than sympathy.
COWARD. n One who in a perilous euer-
gency thinks with his legs
DEBAUCHEE u. One who has 50 earnestly
pursued pleasure that he has had the misfortune
to OveTtakC IT,
moral and social progress from private station 10
political pTefCmeut."
FAMOUS. adj Conspicuously miserable
FASHION ~ A deity whom the wise ridcule.
yet the discreet obey
GENEROUS, adj. Originally this word meant
noble b. birth and was rightly applied TO a great
multitude cf persons. II now means noble hy
nature and Is taking bit Of a rest
HABIT. D. A shackle for the free.
HARANGUE. T. A speech by an opponent,
who is known an harauEOutanE
HONORABLE adj Afflicted with an impedi-
ment in ones reach In legislative bodies il is
customary 20 mention all members as honorable;
as. the honorable gentleman is a scurvy CIR.
IDLENESS. n. model farm. where the devil
experiments with seeds Of sins and promotes
the growth If ntried vices.
IIP0SToR. n. A rival aspirant to public
| lronors
KINDNESS. n. A brief preface to ten vol
ume5 OF exaCtions.
LAZINESS n. Unwananted repose Of manner
IN person Of low degree.