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Wednesday, July 23, 2008
A whole video about treppenwitz
No, I didn't make it, but it is actually about treppenwitz* - the wit/wisdom of the stairs (what, you didn't realize treppenwitz was an actual word???). Bonus that t is actually a cute video with a nice message:
*Treppenwitz: The striking reply that crosses one's mind belatedly when already leaving, on the stairs. People are often angry because they did not have the fitting answer directly during a conversation.
The German term is old, but it was made popular by W. Lewis Hertslet who published his book in 1882 entitled 'Treppenwitz der Weltgeschichte'. In that book, he writes: "Like to a petitioner who is just leaving after an audience, a piquant, striking words occurs to history almost always delayed." (German language Source)
Hat Tip Chayyei Sarah (I wish she would rediscover blogging)
Posted by David Bogner on July 23, 2008 | Permalink
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OK, so I realize that this isn't the YouTube page for this video, but did anyone else notice that this woman had sort of a cavalier attitude about being overweight. I mean yes she came up with some very witty retorts to what people were saying, and yes you should be respectful to people, but wasn't her friend/mother telling her the truth about loosing weight.
Does this mean I have been in Israel to long? People say this kind of stuff to each other all the time here.
On the other hand she was very witty, and I can certainly relate as I feel I almost never come up with the right thing to say at the right time.
Posted by: Jonah | Jul 23, 2008 1:57:35 PM
Fat people want to be thin more than anyone else wants for them to be thin. It's a weakness that shows on the outside, unlike many weaknesses that we all have that we can hide from public view.
Some people need the 'tongue band' as much as fat people need the 'lap band'.
Posted by: Alice | Jul 23, 2008 3:11:37 PM
Great message. Quite cute and witty. (And doesn't suck to always think of something witty after it happens?)
She is so right about looking back and always wondering why we ever thought so poorly of ourselves back then, when currently, we can only "wish" to still look good. I also know the feeling about being asked over and over and over and over if I was pregnant or when I was due, or by young children, if there is a baby in my tummy. At first I would just say no baby, I'm just fat, but then I would just start to play along and give random due date answers. It's frustrating to see your body change like that and have it become so noticeable.
Jonah, I think you are missing the message of the video. She isn't denying she is overweight, but she is right, when you are fat or overweight, people(both strangers and otherwise) feel like they have the right to just walk up to you and give you advice or inquire as to why you are and why you aren't doing anything about it.
Posted by: jaime | Jul 23, 2008 3:12:38 PM
David, How are people responding to the Obama visit? Alice
Posted by: Alice | Jul 23, 2008 3:18:49 PM
Great video... great message.
Posted by: Val | Jul 23, 2008 3:49:03 PM
Good explanation. Funny video. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: Tim | Jul 24, 2008 2:47:35 AM
Touche! (or whatever the Yiddish, more amusing, phrase for that is) ;o/
Posted by: Wry Mouth | Jul 25, 2008 7:28:07 PM
"Like to a petitioner who is just leaving after an audience, a piquant, striking words occurs to history almost always delayed."
Could someone put that in English please?
By the way, yes, she IS good-looking isn't she.
Posted by: asher | Jul 27, 2008 4:31:33 PM
There is a word in German, schlagfertig, which can be translated to quick witted....someone who knows how to answer on the spot. I don't think there's anything quite the same in English.
Posted by: mata hari | Jul 30, 2008 6:50:21 AM
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