Wise Crackers
I know it's probably hard to believe, but even someone like me who specializes in words, both for fun and professionally, sometimes gets a little tongue tied. It's the verbal equivalent of waving your bra as you walk down the street or flashing your undies at passersby as you wait for the bus. Last week, I was at it again in a rather public way. Let me set the scene, if I may . . . My family always hosts a big Christmas Eve party for family and friends, and this year was no different. My mother has a group of friends that she's had for years, the Church Ladies (not called this because they are actually patrons of a particular religious establishment, but that's what they're called), who always come to our party. There's food and drink and great company . . . you know how parties are. So anyway, during the party last week, everyone was mingling and nibbling and generally making merry. I looked over at the coffee table and noticed that a new plate...