Words, phrases and sentences of oral significance and remembrance.
Secondary-school essay; age 11. English master is hampered by my illegible handwriting and asks me to read the essay aloud. I read “I was intrigued….” I’d understood the meaning but, never having heard it spoken, pronounced it “intri-gewed”. He corrects me kindly.
Invited to go with my grannie and uncle to the movies - then known as “the films”; aged 12? “Yes, as long I won’t be de trop.” (too many).
Spoken to the point where it became an addiction; middle to old age. Rebarbative.
A qualifier which I denied both my daughters; parenthood. Really. As in: Daughter: It was really good. Me: Not really, really, good, then?
Whenever the opportunity arises, often concerning trumpets; lifelong. Plangent.
During adolescence, in the presence of young women, on the tip of my tongue but never uttered; teens to early twenties. Lovely.
In response to residents of south-eastern England who imagined they could do a Yorkshire accent; from 22 onwards. Gradely.
In the hearing of well-educated Americans; 1965 – 1972. Deliquescent. Plus a whole slew of polysyllabic words where the letter l is prominent. Eg, polysyllabic.
In the hearing of people of any nationality lacking any knowledge of mechanical engineering; lifelong. Epicyclic.
To the French, spoken in French; 1972 onwards. I cannot speak in French but I can communicate in French.
To the Germans; latterly. Schade (It’s a pity).
When drunk; 18 onwards. I’m not drunk… am I?
On entering a garden centre; post-retirement. I’m not sure I know the word... or the tool.
To the GP; post-retirement; I wish! It’s like everything I’ve suffered from since birth, all rolled into one; but at a much lower level of sensitivity typical of my age group.