Date:  Mon, 8 Dec 1997 18:18:48 -0600
From:  Samuel Jones <smjones1[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]FACSTAFF.WISC.EDU>
Subject: Re: HOW COLD IS IT? (Wie kalt ist es?)

In Germany, the question "Wie kalt ist es draussen?" (= "How cold is it
outside?"), often produces a reply using the thumb and index finger of the
same hand as a mesure of the cold, indicating by the distance or "length"
beteen the two the effect of the cold on a certain portion of the male
anatomy. One simple gesture is worth a dozen euphemisms.

smjones

>Speaking of cold, don't any of you down there know about certain anatomical
>attributes of brass monkeys that may freeze in sub-zero temperatures? (Of
>course it never gets that cold here in balmy Victoria!)
>
>Barbara Harris.

_______________________________
DR. SAMUEL M. JONES
Professor Emertitus
Music & Latin American Studies
University of Wisconsin-Madison
"Pen-y-Bryn" - 122 Shepard Terrace
Madison, WI 53705-3614 USA
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EMAIL: smjones1[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]facstaff.wisc.edu
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TELEPHONE: 608 + 233-2150
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