I sometimes do not speak like the average person, or so I have been told. I don’t wholly agree, but then situations like the following occur.
At work I responded to some comment. I don’t remember what I said, probably, “that does not signify,” or “that makes one ill.” This is common phraseology for me. My coworker, Mr. J started laughing…sort of. It was more of a slight furrow in the brow, shake of the head, half smile on the lips, and pulsed air diffusing from the nostrils. This is a frequent gesture from him. It is usually given because I am being ridiculous in some fashion. At least, ridiculous according to his ruler. Ba.
This time the head shake was due to my choice of words.
Mr. J: “I love how half your vocabulary is over 100 years old.”
“I love how” in this sense actually means, “you are so odd, yet, entertaining and here’s a reason why.” I do not know if this was meant as a compliment, but I took it as one. I am proud that a little of Jane Austen’s dialogue has drifted into my colloquial speech. She is one I give credit to, anyhow.
