Granfalloons

[John Graf]

Yes, "granfaloons" has a Kurt Vonnegut connection.  His 1974 collection of
opinions (Delacourte Press) is titled "Wampeters, Foma & Granfalloons."  In
the preface, Vonnegut explains he used the terms in "Cat's Cradle":

"A wampeter is an object around which the lives of many otherwise unrelated
people may revolve.  The Holy Grail would be a case in point. Foma are
harmless untruths, intended to comfort simple souls.  An example:
'Prosperity is just around the corner.' A granfalloon is a proud and
meaningless association of human beings."

So, a new word, or two, or three.  LBO-talk a granfalloon?  Not in my book.

John Graf
Janesville, Wisconsin
=================
>Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000 13:23:57 -0500
>From: Doug Henwood <dhenwood at panix.com>
>Subject: Re: Yoshie Furuhashi (Quote Kvetching)


>Michael Hoover wrote:


>>just about only reason for sticking
>>around lbo granfalloon...


>So sorry to bore you most of the time.


>"Granfalloon" stumps dictionary.com; I'm always eager to learn a new word.


>Doug

<< "Granfalloon" stumps dictionary.com; I'm always eager to learn a new
word.

 Doug
>>