perfect synonyms

[Jim Parish]

Jonathan Lighter wrote:
> Years ago I revived the claim that the two most nearly synonymous
> words in English are "gorse" and "furze."  Not only do they designate
> the same referent; they are both monosyllabic and even bear a minor
> phonetic resemblance.
>
> I can now reveal two comparably synonymous English words. They are so
> mundane, however, that no one will be impressed.
>
> The envelope please:
>
> "Flapjack" and "slapjack."

Hmm? In my lexicon, "flapjack" is a pancake and "slapjack" is a card
game.

Jim Parish

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