The Meaning of Liff

FROLESWORTH (n.)

Measure. The minimum time it is necessary to spend frowning in deep concentration at each picture in an art gallery in order that everyone else doesn't think you've a complete moron.

FARNHAM (n.)

The feeling you get about four o'clock in the afternoon when you haven't got enough done.

DUNGENESS (n.)

The uneasy feeling that the plastic handles of the overloaded supermarket carrier bag you are carrying are getting steadily longer.

DIDLING (participial vb.)

The process of trying to work out who did it when reading a whodunnit, and trying to keep your options open so that when you find out you can allow yourself to think that you knew perfectly well who it was all along.

DAMNAGLAUR (n.)

A certain facial expression which actors are required to demonstrate their mastery of before they are allowed to play MacBeth.

CRANLEIGH (n.)

A mood of irrational irritation with everyone and everything.

BOTCHERBY

The principle by which British roads are signposted.

BANFF

Pertaining to, or descriptive of, that kind of facial expression which is impossible to achieve except when having a passport photograph taken.

BABWORTH

Something which justifies having a really good cry.

AMERSHAM (n.)

The sneeze which tickles but never comes. (Thought to derive from the Metropolitan Line tube station of the same name where the rails always rattle but the train never arrives.)