Ostrobogulatory
adj. Risqué, indecent; also bizarre, unusual.
I can no longer endure this ostrobogulatory behaviour.
Ostrobogulous Pigs, A. Graves (1952)
Ostrobogulatory is derived from ostrobogulous, a word attributed to Victor Benjamin Neuburg, a British writer. According to him, the word meant “Full of rich dirt.” The uses of this word (and derivative forms) in the OED are flavouriferous and make me gumfiate with glee. Here’s my favorite.
‘Ostrobogulous’ was Vickybird’s favourite word. It stood for anything from the bawdy to the slightly off-colour. Any double entendre that might otherwise have escaped his audience was prefaced by, ‘if you will pardon the ostrobogulosity’.
A. Calder-Marshall (1951)
I’m going to preface most of my conversations now with, “If you will pardon the ostrobogulosity.” Or maybe I’ll add some graffiti to public restrooms saying “For an ostrobogulous time, please call…”
Have you had any ostrobogulatory experiences lately? Why not? You can’t get all the ostrobogularity you need from the internet, you know.
June 1st, 2011 at 11:53 am
Victor ( junior ) , how I miss our lessons of Sunday mornings at WIDDERSHINS , Muswell Hill N. 10 .
My English is much better , and I am thankful for it .
How ANNE missed you after your heart attack while you
were having your daily walk……Highgate cemetery – Bunter I think had died . I now have some idea of the reputation
of your Father , whose portrait looked over my shoulder .
I miss Anne and your self and hope that Caroline is well .
With respect ALAN BROWN .