A Gushing Gish Gallop
Words, Expressions, & Samples
Today, the next installment in a periodic series about interesting words, amusing expressions, and compelling writing samples. These examples intrigue me, shared in hope that something might strike you similarly.
“Gish gallop”…as in “(Jim) Jordan, on many issues and especially when backing Trump’s preposterous claims about presidential power, is merely an annoying, gish-galloping gadfly.” (Atlantic Monthly newsletter) So, a Gish gallop -- bonus points for the alliterative “gadfly” -- is a rhetorical device also known as arguing by verbosity, overwhelming opponents by sheer volume of points raised, regardless of accuracy, validity, or relevance. It’s named after Duane Gish, a creationist who once debated an evolutionist by “spewing forth torrents of error that the evolutionist hasn’t a prayer of refuting in the format of a debate.” Applying this term to Rep. Jordan only heightens my pleasure.
“Abecedary” and “Ufologist,” are words that strongly hint at their definition. I happened upon the former in a recent book review by Michael Dirda, in the Washington Post: “… it was natural to structure her book as a kind of abecedary, using the alphabet to impose order on what is essentially a grab-bag of biographies.” In this instance, I’m less interested in the word’s definition -- something arranged alphabetically -- than its origin, utilizing the first four letters of the alphabet to create a word. It’s pronounced “a-b-cee’-dury,” … elegant in its simplicity.
“Ufologist” -- a person who studies UFOs -- is a job title that might have greater staying power than the acronym, UFO (unidentified flying object), from which it’s derived. The current trend is toward “unidentified anomalous phenomena,” UAP, a more inclusive description of inexplicable objects in air, sea, and space.
“Bathyscaph,” is a new word for me. “In contrast to special counsel Jack Smith’s laser-focused federal indictment of Mr. Trump, Ms. Willis charges a range of conspirators, from people in the Oval Office to low-level Georgia G.O.P. functionaries, and is the first to plumb the full depths, through a state-focused bathyscaph, of the conspiracy.” (NYT, 8/16). So, what’s a bathyscaph? A navigable submersible vessel for deep-sea exploration, with a watertight observation capsule on its underside. It’s usage here is a metaphor… an apt and compelling one. Good luck, Ms. Willis.
“Phubbing” is a made-up word, combining “phone” and “snubbing”. To the extent, it’s a sin, I plead guilty; perhaps you, too. It’s ignoring one(s) you’re with by attending to your phone or another connected device. The kicker: A recent study suggests those who “phub” are more likely to be “phubbed” themselves -- a feedback loop, a ripple effect. I pledge to work on this, now knowing a new word.
In closing, several classic lines from the Times. First, opinion writer Michelle Cottle, describing a certain Florida governor as having “the people skills of a Roomba,” the robotic vacuum cleaner. Memorable and original. Second, “(This) video feels like an encouragement to marinate in the unknown for a while, to recognize the many questions it prompts as intriguing but irrelevant.” Methinks the world would be better if we all marinated in mystery. Third, “Staggering. Unnerving. Mind-boggling. Absolutely gobsmackingly bananas. As global temperatures… reached dangerous new highs, my climate scientist colleagues and I have just about run out of adjectives to describe what we have seen.” (Dr. Zeke Hausfather, research scientist at Berkeley Earth, opening words in his NYT column, 10/13). Can’t say we weren’t warned.
Finally, two examples from Times writer Bret Stephens, one of my favorites: “‘…walking the trail of so-so,’ as my youngest likes to say.” Kudos to Stephens’ youngest. And, “When people say they ‘trust the science,’ what they presumably mean is that science is rational, empirical, rigorous, receptive to new information, sensitive to competing concerns and risks. Also: humble, transparent, open to criticism, honest about what it doesn’t know, willing to admit error.” Having once worked with scientists, I’d say he’s captured the scientific approach accurately… and comprehensively. Stephens’ style often employs a verbal outpouring, cascading examples, expressions overflowing, you might say a gushing Gish gallop. See, I can do it, too.
*****
I’m pleased to be part of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. These are my colleagues:
This was a fun column to read, Kurtis. Thank you! I learned some new, colorful words and expressions!