LL-L "Literature" 2007.05.04 (04) [E]

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L O W L A N D S - L  -  04 May 2007 - Volume 04

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From: "ds" <dstokely at infionline.net>
Subject: Lowlands-L

This from Wikipedia, which I suppose is about as reliable as necessary here.


David Stokely


In its original sense, a *shaggy-dog story* is an extremely long-winded tale
featuring extensive narration of typically irrelevant incidents, usually
resulting in a pointless or absurd punchline. These stories are also known
as *yarns*, coming from the long tradition of campfire yarns.

 replying to -
From: Pat Reynolds <pat at caerlas.demon.co.uk>
Subject: LL-L "Etymology" (E)

Mark Dreyfus wrote "Who could possibly not know the origin of the shaggy
dog story?"

Well, the Four Scholars of the OED don't, and I don't!  Could you
enlighten us?

Cheers,

Pat
(obviously one narrative thread short of an explanation)
--
Pat Reynolds

•

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