December 24, 2004

Goldwynism (GOLD-wi-niz-em) noun (Wordsmith.org)

A humorous statement or phrase resulting from the use of incongruous
or contradictory words, situations, idioms, etc.

[After Samuel Goldwyn (1879-1974), Polish-born US film producer, known
for such remarks. Born Schmuel Gelbfisz, he changed his name to Samuel
Goldfish after he went to UK, and to Samuel Goldwyn after moving to the US.]

Here are some examples of Goldwynisms:

o Include me out.
o When I want your opinion I will give it to you.
o I'll give you a definite maybe.
o If I could drop dead right now, I would be the happiest man alive.
o Anybody who goes to a psychiatrist ought to have his head examined.
o I may not always be right, but I am never wrong.
o In two words im-possible.

Posted by Orrin Judd at December 24, 2004 11:02 AM
Comments

"An oral contract isn't worth the paper it's written on."

http://rinkworks.com/said/samuelgoldwyn.shtml

Posted by: Rick T. at December 24, 2004 2:00 PM

My all time favorite is (to paraphrase):

"I'm tired of these cliches.
Bring me some new cliches."

Then again, there always is Yogi the Berra, in whose bowling alley I used to play.

Merry Christmas.

Posted by: Ed Bush at December 24, 2004 7:06 PM
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