I Need a Word ...

For the ability of certain people to cry on command. To produce tears at the drop of a hat. To weep like a baby. To let loose the waterworks at a moment's notice.

A technique used successfully by Method actors and Broadway performance, this unique skill set has wept (I mean "crept") its way back into the national consciousness again.

On the precipice of an imploding presidential campaign, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) parlayed a spontaneous tear explosion into a stunning win in New Hampshire's Democratic primary. Her insta-cry not only helped her in the polls but also added a bit of humanity and humility to an otherwise well-lubed, robotically orchestrated Manchurian candidacy.

Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, you have to hand it to Hillary. It worked. Her numbers are trending upward in all the polls and she appears poised to be a major factor in one of the most compelling elections in decades. And all from a few well-timed tears.

Maybe it was a moment of unhinged honesty, a rare public display of genuine human emotion. Or maybe she borrowed some of her husband's legendary charisma and Everyman humanity. Who knows.

What I do know is this is a situation without a word, ... and I need your help.

Readers of Quixotica, unite!! Neologisms are the opiates of the masses! The history of all hitherto existing society is a history of word creation!!

Let's find a word for this home, my proletariat comrades!!!

And if you could help me get rid of this superfluous AdSense button at the bottom of my post, thay would be great too ...

My Mom Made Me Do It ...

Ever the supportive parent, my mother (who will heretofore be referred to as Nancy) insisted that I include one of her clever neologisms on my "little blog."

As her prodigal, mercurial and occasionally loving son, I obliged. As long as she promised to pass out my Quixotica business cards to all her friends and complete strangers.

Thanks Nancy for your submission! You're an honorary FOQer now! Or is that mother-FOQer?

Oops, did I say that?

Waitlift

[weyt-lift]

n., the process, often laborious and tediously slow, by which a senior citizen (like my parents, for example) navigates his/her way up a set of stairs; this is especially chronic among those who suffer for arthritis, joint pain, sciatica or any other similar degenerative medical condition.

This technique is often characterized by repetitive step-stop-break-reassessment pattern. It can be especially frustrating and time-consuming for non-seniors who happen to find themselves walking behind a waitlifter; Usually, out of respect for one's elders, those with high-functioning ambulatory skills do not usually complain or attempt a pass, ... and instead choose to walk patiently behind their more senior brethren.