During my college teaching career, I have often verified what Will Rogers once said: “There is nothing so stupid as the educated man if you get him off the thing he was educated in.”
Recently, in my creative writing class, I tried to demonstrate how educated I am by writing malapropism, pun, quibble, spoonerism, and Freudian slip on the board.
A student asked, “Everyone knows what puns are, but can you explain those other terms?” Will was right — I was off the thing I was educated in, so I went from being a creative writing teacher to a creative liar.
“Well … it’s hard to explain,” I explained. “We don’t need to know the difference in those terms; we need to know that, each in its own way, twists the meaning of what is said or written so that it causes readers’ or listeners’ understanding of what is written or said to be misunderstood, or understood in different ways by different readers or listeners.” The knowing stares I got indicated they knew that I knew that what I said was nonsensical — a hastily created lie.
“Tell you what,” I stammered, “for our next session I want each of you to provide expressions that can be understood — or misunderstood — in different ways, or can be interpreted — or misinterpreted — differently by different people.”
Phew! It worked. The kids seemed intrigued by the assignment, much to the relief of the beleaguered old white-headed geezer behind the lectern who relearned once again what Will Rogers said about so-called learned folks.
In our next meeting, one student defined a Freudian slip as an unintentional error that reveals subconscious feelings, and gave an example involving a guy’s comment to a girl: “Wow! You’re a real hooker in that top!” (He meant to say “looker” but subconsciously thinking she looked like a prostitute, said “hooker.”)
Another student used quotes made by famed professional baseball player and coach, Yogi Berra, whose comments often confused listeners so much that they were unable to respond. Following are a few quotes the student read:
“If the world was perfect, it wouldn’t be.” “I wish I had an answer to that, because I'm tired of answering that question.” “I always thought that record would stand until it was broken.” “I never said most of the things I said.” “It’s like déjà vu all over again.” “Ninety percent of this game is half mental.” “You can observe a lot just by watching.” “You should always go to other people’s funerals — otherwise they won’t come to yours.” “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” “Half the lies they tell about me aren’t true.”
His final Yogi quote caused everyone to howl in laughter: “I don't know if those were men or women fans running naked across the field. They had bags over their heads.”
Another student finished our session with a question, subject to two accurate interpretations: “Is Mr. Reed an educated, stupid man, or … a stupid, educated man?”
Jimmy Reed is an Oxford, Mississippi resident, Ole Miss and Delta State University alumnus, Vietnam Era Army Veteran, former Mississippi Delta cotton farmer and ginner, author, and retired college teacher.
This story is a selection from Jimmy Reed’s latest book, entitled The Jaybird Tales.
Copies, including personalized autographs, can be reserved by notifying the author via email (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).
