Peter Macinnis
@mcmanly.bsky.social
Punster, naturalist, friend of unusual plants and invertebrates, rescuer of vertebrates, enemy of weeds, environment mender, rock botherer, gadgeteer, fraud detector, teller of those tales Tories and MAGAs want hidden, defender of the advanced middle aged.
magpie.
A corruption of an old name, Maggot (a form of Margaret) Pie. There is no intention to draw any parallel with any person of that name, living or dead.
A corruption of an old name, Maggot (a form of Margaret) Pie. There is no intention to draw any parallel with any person of that name, living or dead.
December 6, 2025 at 12:17 AM
magpie.
A corruption of an old name, Maggot (a form of Margaret) Pie. There is no intention to draw any parallel with any person of that name, living or dead.
A corruption of an old name, Maggot (a form of Margaret) Pie. There is no intention to draw any parallel with any person of that name, living or dead.
canary.
A lively Renaissance courtly dance, sometimes performed in deep caves or mines.
A lively Renaissance courtly dance, sometimes performed in deep caves or mines.
December 4, 2025 at 8:52 PM
canary.
A lively Renaissance courtly dance, sometimes performed in deep caves or mines.
A lively Renaissance courtly dance, sometimes performed in deep caves or mines.
mongoose.
A Scottish gander. Unlikely under any circumstances to lay a golden egg. A butch goose has delusions of gander, but that is a separate issue, as are its eggs.
A Scottish gander. Unlikely under any circumstances to lay a golden egg. A butch goose has delusions of gander, but that is a separate issue, as are its eggs.
December 3, 2025 at 9:15 PM
mongoose.
A Scottish gander. Unlikely under any circumstances to lay a golden egg. A butch goose has delusions of gander, but that is a separate issue, as are its eggs.
A Scottish gander. Unlikely under any circumstances to lay a golden egg. A butch goose has delusions of gander, but that is a separate issue, as are its eggs.
paroxysm. A flustering, fluttering brawl among psittacoids. Notwithstanding that a generous judge may label selected birds as normal, parrots never make it into this select list. A paroxysm can be set off by almost anything, even somebody mishearing pickled carrot as tickled parrot, or vice versa.
December 2, 2025 at 8:14 PM
paroxysm. A flustering, fluttering brawl among psittacoids. Notwithstanding that a generous judge may label selected birds as normal, parrots never make it into this select list. A paroxysm can be set off by almost anything, even somebody mishearing pickled carrot as tickled parrot, or vice versa.
gremlins.
This is a corruption of graminins. During World War II, wheat would be soaked in vats of aircraft fuel to extend a plane’s speed and range by 10%, but the wheat had first to be stooked and left in a paddock so the graminins could drain off. Ground crew were told: stook before you steep.
This is a corruption of graminins. During World War II, wheat would be soaked in vats of aircraft fuel to extend a plane’s speed and range by 10%, but the wheat had first to be stooked and left in a paddock so the graminins could drain off. Ground crew were told: stook before you steep.
December 1, 2025 at 7:15 PM
gremlins.
This is a corruption of graminins. During World War II, wheat would be soaked in vats of aircraft fuel to extend a plane’s speed and range by 10%, but the wheat had first to be stooked and left in a paddock so the graminins could drain off. Ground crew were told: stook before you steep.
This is a corruption of graminins. During World War II, wheat would be soaked in vats of aircraft fuel to extend a plane’s speed and range by 10%, but the wheat had first to be stooked and left in a paddock so the graminins could drain off. Ground crew were told: stook before you steep.
ramshackle.
A device used by certain deviant persons to limit the wanderings of a male sheep, often for unspecified purposes. To capture a ram, you need a shepherd’s crook before you creep up on it.
A device used by certain deviant persons to limit the wanderings of a male sheep, often for unspecified purposes. To capture a ram, you need a shepherd’s crook before you creep up on it.
November 30, 2025 at 8:14 PM
ramshackle.
A device used by certain deviant persons to limit the wanderings of a male sheep, often for unspecified purposes. To capture a ram, you need a shepherd’s crook before you creep up on it.
A device used by certain deviant persons to limit the wanderings of a male sheep, often for unspecified purposes. To capture a ram, you need a shepherd’s crook before you creep up on it.
sturgeon. A highly prized fish, only catchable over certain short periods of the year, when heaps may be caught by a skilled operator. The main thing is to hook before you heap. Then, having caught your fish, they need to be parboiled before being frozen. As the old hands say, cook before you keep.
November 30, 2025 at 5:43 AM
sturgeon. A highly prized fish, only catchable over certain short periods of the year, when heaps may be caught by a skilled operator. The main thing is to hook before you heap. Then, having caught your fish, they need to be parboiled before being frozen. As the old hands say, cook before you keep.
cartel.
An outmoded term for a motel, often used as a site for drug distribution. Many of these have locked gates, and you need to sound your horn to get them to open up, but if you don’t have a booking, they will ignore you. Book before you beep.
An outmoded term for a motel, often used as a site for drug distribution. Many of these have locked gates, and you need to sound your horn to get them to open up, but if you don’t have a booking, they will ignore you. Book before you beep.
November 28, 2025 at 9:06 PM
cartel.
An outmoded term for a motel, often used as a site for drug distribution. Many of these have locked gates, and you need to sound your horn to get them to open up, but if you don’t have a booking, they will ignore you. Book before you beep.
An outmoded term for a motel, often used as a site for drug distribution. Many of these have locked gates, and you need to sound your horn to get them to open up, but if you don’t have a booking, they will ignore you. Book before you beep.
rook.
A black bird which can be a problem at harvest time if they are not hunted down and shot. This is why it is usually a good idea to rook before you reap.
A black bird which can be a problem at harvest time if they are not hunted down and shot. This is why it is usually a good idea to rook before you reap.
November 27, 2025 at 8:18 PM
rook.
A black bird which can be a problem at harvest time if they are not hunted down and shot. This is why it is usually a good idea to rook before you reap.
A black bird which can be a problem at harvest time if they are not hunted down and shot. This is why it is usually a good idea to rook before you reap.
early to bed, early to rise.
Not necessarily a good precept to follow, particularly if you are a worm. It is better to wait until the early bird has caught somebody else.
Not necessarily a good precept to follow, particularly if you are a worm. It is better to wait until the early bird has caught somebody else.
November 26, 2025 at 9:13 PM
early to bed, early to rise.
Not necessarily a good precept to follow, particularly if you are a worm. It is better to wait until the early bird has caught somebody else.
Not necessarily a good precept to follow, particularly if you are a worm. It is better to wait until the early bird has caught somebody else.
pecking order.
The order of seniority of bishops of the Church of England, established at Pecking in 1748. The term is often applied to similar lists, which have been the source of much disagreement. This has been the case since the Middle Ages, when knights used to joust for a place in the lists.
The order of seniority of bishops of the Church of England, established at Pecking in 1748. The term is often applied to similar lists, which have been the source of much disagreement. This has been the case since the Middle Ages, when knights used to joust for a place in the lists.
November 26, 2025 at 8:45 AM
pecking order.
The order of seniority of bishops of the Church of England, established at Pecking in 1748. The term is often applied to similar lists, which have been the source of much disagreement. This has been the case since the Middle Ages, when knights used to joust for a place in the lists.
The order of seniority of bishops of the Church of England, established at Pecking in 1748. The term is often applied to similar lists, which have been the source of much disagreement. This has been the case since the Middle Ages, when knights used to joust for a place in the lists.
Schrödinger’s cat.
A cat, locked in a container, where there is an equal chance of the cat being alive or dead. Schrödinger was able to get away with this in his thesis only because at his university, 50% was a pass mark. A cat such as this has eighteen half-lives.
A cat, locked in a container, where there is an equal chance of the cat being alive or dead. Schrödinger was able to get away with this in his thesis only because at his university, 50% was a pass mark. A cat such as this has eighteen half-lives.
November 25, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Schrödinger’s cat.
A cat, locked in a container, where there is an equal chance of the cat being alive or dead. Schrödinger was able to get away with this in his thesis only because at his university, 50% was a pass mark. A cat such as this has eighteen half-lives.
A cat, locked in a container, where there is an equal chance of the cat being alive or dead. Schrödinger was able to get away with this in his thesis only because at his university, 50% was a pass mark. A cat such as this has eighteen half-lives.
Ned Kelly.
Known today as a bush ranger, but recognised in his time as a virtuoso violinist, though with a limited classical repertoire. Kelly played the violin at Glenrowan as his companions rested, and when Joe Byrne was out, checking the area for police, the non-hero fiddled while Byrne roamed.
Known today as a bush ranger, but recognised in his time as a virtuoso violinist, though with a limited classical repertoire. Kelly played the violin at Glenrowan as his companions rested, and when Joe Byrne was out, checking the area for police, the non-hero fiddled while Byrne roamed.
November 23, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Ned Kelly.
Known today as a bush ranger, but recognised in his time as a virtuoso violinist, though with a limited classical repertoire. Kelly played the violin at Glenrowan as his companions rested, and when Joe Byrne was out, checking the area for police, the non-hero fiddled while Byrne roamed.
Known today as a bush ranger, but recognised in his time as a virtuoso violinist, though with a limited classical repertoire. Kelly played the violin at Glenrowan as his companions rested, and when Joe Byrne was out, checking the area for police, the non-hero fiddled while Byrne roamed.
bigamist.
1. An Italian fog. 2. When male, a marital bigamist may be accepted by both ‘wives’ on the ground that half an oaf is better than one.
1. An Italian fog. 2. When male, a marital bigamist may be accepted by both ‘wives’ on the ground that half an oaf is better than one.
November 21, 2025 at 8:10 PM
bigamist.
1. An Italian fog. 2. When male, a marital bigamist may be accepted by both ‘wives’ on the ground that half an oaf is better than one.
1. An Italian fog. 2. When male, a marital bigamist may be accepted by both ‘wives’ on the ground that half an oaf is better than one.
serology.
The study of unusual integer sequences, an activity to which all but the most committed mathematicians are immune.
The study of unusual integer sequences, an activity to which all but the most committed mathematicians are immune.
November 20, 2025 at 8:18 PM
serology.
The study of unusual integer sequences, an activity to which all but the most committed mathematicians are immune.
The study of unusual integer sequences, an activity to which all but the most committed mathematicians are immune.
sericulture.
The term used by sociologists to describe the stratum of society which devotes its entire life to the observation of life at third hand, through serials and soap operas. Rather similar to the literary culture, but with a lot less intellect.
The term used by sociologists to describe the stratum of society which devotes its entire life to the observation of life at third hand, through serials and soap operas. Rather similar to the literary culture, but with a lot less intellect.
November 20, 2025 at 12:37 AM
sericulture.
The term used by sociologists to describe the stratum of society which devotes its entire life to the observation of life at third hand, through serials and soap operas. Rather similar to the literary culture, but with a lot less intellect.
The term used by sociologists to describe the stratum of society which devotes its entire life to the observation of life at third hand, through serials and soap operas. Rather similar to the literary culture, but with a lot less intellect.
chilly.
A degree of limited frigidity, not normally leading to lasting rigidity, since many are cold but few are frozen, even though the flesh is chilling.
A degree of limited frigidity, not normally leading to lasting rigidity, since many are cold but few are frozen, even though the flesh is chilling.
November 18, 2025 at 8:40 PM
chilly.
A degree of limited frigidity, not normally leading to lasting rigidity, since many are cold but few are frozen, even though the flesh is chilling.
A degree of limited frigidity, not normally leading to lasting rigidity, since many are cold but few are frozen, even though the flesh is chilling.
casting couch.
Many are culled, and few are chosen.
Many are culled, and few are chosen.
November 17, 2025 at 7:23 PM
casting couch.
Many are culled, and few are chosen.
Many are culled, and few are chosen.
fringe religions.
Many are cult, but few are chosen. Tonsured orders of monks favour these sorts of groups.
Many are cult, but few are chosen. Tonsured orders of monks favour these sorts of groups.
November 16, 2025 at 8:12 PM
fringe religions.
Many are cult, but few are chosen. Tonsured orders of monks favour these sorts of groups.
Many are cult, but few are chosen. Tonsured orders of monks favour these sorts of groups.
differential calculus.
The small pebbles and gravel which, when placed in a vehicle’s differential, serve to quieten temporarily the fatal noises being made by that part of a used car which is being offered for sale.
The small pebbles and gravel which, when placed in a vehicle’s differential, serve to quieten temporarily the fatal noises being made by that part of a used car which is being offered for sale.
November 15, 2025 at 11:25 PM
differential calculus.
The small pebbles and gravel which, when placed in a vehicle’s differential, serve to quieten temporarily the fatal noises being made by that part of a used car which is being offered for sale.
The small pebbles and gravel which, when placed in a vehicle’s differential, serve to quieten temporarily the fatal noises being made by that part of a used car which is being offered for sale.
differential.
A device used by orators wishing to sound technical. At night, all differentials are grey, according to the well-tested differential equation.
A device used by orators wishing to sound technical. At night, all differentials are grey, according to the well-tested differential equation.
November 14, 2025 at 8:07 PM
differential.
A device used by orators wishing to sound technical. At night, all differentials are grey, according to the well-tested differential equation.
A device used by orators wishing to sound technical. At night, all differentials are grey, according to the well-tested differential equation.
semiotics.
Listening to something with half an ear. This particular discipline was of great interest to Vincent van Gogh, although he became over-qualified toward the end of his life.
Listening to something with half an ear. This particular discipline was of great interest to Vincent van Gogh, although he became over-qualified toward the end of his life.
November 13, 2025 at 8:42 PM
semiotics.
Listening to something with half an ear. This particular discipline was of great interest to Vincent van Gogh, although he became over-qualified toward the end of his life.
Listening to something with half an ear. This particular discipline was of great interest to Vincent van Gogh, although he became over-qualified toward the end of his life.
sentence, self-referenced. This is not one.
sentience, self-reverenced. See egotist.
sentience, self-reverenced. See egotist.
November 12, 2025 at 7:55 PM
sentence, self-referenced. This is not one.
sentience, self-reverenced. See egotist.
sentience, self-reverenced. See egotist.
serious work.
Any activity, such as writing comedy or lexicons, where the creative impulse tends to fall away before the production of a finished piece.
Any activity, such as writing comedy or lexicons, where the creative impulse tends to fall away before the production of a finished piece.
November 11, 2025 at 8:59 PM
serious work.
Any activity, such as writing comedy or lexicons, where the creative impulse tends to fall away before the production of a finished piece.
Any activity, such as writing comedy or lexicons, where the creative impulse tends to fall away before the production of a finished piece.
bifocal spectacles.
Two-ring circuses.
Two-ring circuses.
November 10, 2025 at 7:23 PM
bifocal spectacles.
Two-ring circuses.
Two-ring circuses.