KyrielleJan 21
spaf

Reminded of how I handle temporary instances of aphasia (mostly when I am undercaffeinated and overstressed):
“I can’t remember your human word for it.”
If asked what I meant by that, I respond, “Oops, you weren’t supposed to hear that. Never mind.”

At this point, the other person is left with questions (though not more than usual when interacting with me) and has forgotten the original thread of the conversation.

Jan 21 at 3:44pmWeb
Show threadspafJan 21

I seem to recall doing this once in a group, and @drpattie interjecting, “I believe this species uses the word <word>, dear.” I thanked her and continued on.

And people wonder why we’re a couple.

Show threadStoneBear Jan 21
@spaf @drpattie  y'all win at marriage. 
Show threadStrider Uwe 🇺🇦🇨🇦🇲🇽Jan 21
@spaf Gonna steal this! 😜
Show threadS. Lott -- No Kings!Jan 21
@spaf The other day I couldn’t locate the human word for pyjama overcoat. My partner asked if I meant “bathrobe”, which was helpful. Need to share your “human word” context with them to help clarify the true nature of the word search.
Show threadJordanJan 21

@slott56 @spaf A friend went with “bird leaf” when stumbling on the way to “feather”.

Honestly, this whole thing is totally reasonable and how language often works anyway. A “flying fox” is a bat that looks somewhat fox-like. A “telescope” is a “far-viewer”. Japanese 言葉 “word” is a compound of “speech leaf”.

Show threadkitJan 21
@spaf
Seems eminently sensible statement really. Humans can be quite peculiar linguistically, not to mention incredibly inconsistent.
Show threadmathewJan 23
@spaf One time I couldn’t remember what an avocado was called and went with “a raw guacamole”.