Photo by natalie419, via Flickr |
In general I try not to listen to people’s conversations on public transportation, at restaurants, or on the street, as about 99.9% of all that I hear annoys me. Speaking a second language
doesn’t help, as I can’t block out those annoying conversations that may just sound
like a jumble of noises to others. But every once in a while, I hear a real gem that I
believe warrants repeating, if only so we can all collectively roll our eyes,
readers.
So I’m on the subway this morning going to work. It's already claustrophobically tight in the car, with people smashed against each
other and invading personal spaces ad nauseam.
In front of me is a balding business man who looks harmless enough—were he not
punching a balled-up fist into his other hand and saying, repeatedly “let’s go”
to nobody in particular. In back of me is a wolf pack of raging dorks, guffawing
unbecomingly.
“So, I used to actually live in Pennsylvania,” says one
geek, so loud that the entire subway car flinches. His voice tells me he is a)
young, b) a total nerd, and c) not from New York City, as any of these characteristics guarantee that the
person in question does not get that nobody wants to hear their MOFO conversation.
“That’s right, Amish country,” the nerd continues in
all his glory, while the Business Freak starts to twitch. “And you know what’s
curious about Amish country?”
Geeks 2, 3, 4, and 5: “Herdeeherdeeher what’s that?”
Nerd 1: “Well, I’ll tell you it’s their naming
conventions. They may be very serious people, but the names of their towns
are . . . let’s just say, VERY risqué."
Geeks 2, 3, 4, and 5, riled up now: “Herdeeherdeeher, like what?”
Nerd 1: “For example," (allowing long pause for
dramatic effect) "There’s INTERCOURSE, Pennsylvania.”
Geeks 2, 3, 4, and 5: *explosive laughter.*
Nerd 1: "And there’s BIRD-IN-HAND, Pennsylvania . . ."
Before I could flip out in passive aggressive angst,
or get punched by Business Freak, I slipped out at my stop. I could hear the
orgasmic laughter of the dweebs as the doors shut behind me. Part of me was relieved I didn't have to listen anymore,
part was disappointed—what other wild and crazy names does the Amish country boast?
And lastly I was left confused. Unless you're naming your “John Thomas” a
bird, men, why is that name risqué exactly? Please answer in the comments section.
Herdeeherdeeher!!
ReplyDeleteI can't help you out as I don't have a 'bird', but I do have a friend called John Thomas Long. That's right, boys, think of roll call: Long, John Thomas?
Talk about Herdeeherdeeher!!!!!
The businessman maybe forgot his wake-up line? Or took an extra one? Scary.
BTW, ummm.... did I not say "Amish Paradise" to you YESTERDAY?! Plagiarism! Or something.
Yes!! You did mention Amish paradise, and then this awful convo happened, so it seemed like the perfect title. And I should perhaps give you credit, but wouldn't I just be giving myself credit since we are one and the same? Or whatever?
ReplyDelete