Steve Jinks (Ex Post Metronomus) – The Giza Forum (Legacy)

Steve Jinks (Ex Post Metronomus) posted an update 5 years ago

Great Russian word to describe the current state of this country:

“Poshlost”

Russian-American writer Vladimir Nabokov, who lectured on Slavic Studies to students in America, admitted that he couldn’t translate this word, which every Russian easily understands.

What is poshlost (пошлость)?

Nabokov gives the following example: “Open any mag…[Read more]

FiatLux replied 5 years ago
Interesting elucidation of the nuances of пошлость. My best shot at a one-word translation that captures the essence of the term (as best I understand it) would be “baseness.”
- Allen S replied 5 years ago
  Mine is two words: Asset Forfeiture.
  - FiatLux replied 5 years ago
    To me, those two words = plain old “tyranny,” no nuances needed.
Laura replied 5 years ago
how about “dictator chic”
- FiatLux replied 5 years ago
  Accurate translation or not, I must admit I like “dictator chic”!
  - Laura replied 5 years ago
    
    hi fiat, the term was appropriated from Peter York’s book: Dictator Style: Lifestyles of the World’s Most Colorful Despots.
    
    you originally said:”Linguistic quibbles aside, I have to admit I like “dictator chic”!” well one of the things i like about retirement is that no one can really grade me based on linguism, and should i make a comme…
    
    [Read more]
    - FiatLux replied 5 years ago
      I have a terrible compulsion to edit my own writing… especially if I think it might be misinterpreted, which is all too easy online. I meant my comment to be taken in fun too — I’m just not always good at getting that across.
      - Laura replied 5 years ago
        
        My past is littered with poorly edited comments. Of course we are having fun!

@stevejinks