A Lesson in Etymology
Rab was just the boy next door, whilst Gregor, was a contrarian, and, if truth be told, somewhat self-centred. They went on a holiday together, and the latter always prevailed when it came to any choice. Faced with two alternatives, he bulldozed his preference over any suggestion his less assertive companion might have had. Until Rab discovered a strategy.
At a certain point they had to decide between hitchhiking to Aberdeen or to Dundee, but Rab badly wanted to go to Dundee.
‘I say Gregor, we have to choose between Dundee_’ As was his wont his companion interrupted his friend.
‘I_’ . It was was Rab’s turn to do the interruption.
‘I think I agree, so let’s go to Dundee.’ And they did.
On another occasion, they had to decide where to eat. The choice was an Indian or a Mac, but again Rab had his own preference.
‘I say,’ he began, ‘for lunch, would you say an Indian_’ As he knew Gregor would, he interrupted.
‘I_’ Rab was ready for him.
‘I’m glad, let’s go to The Taj Mahal.’ Gregor was not best pleased, but kept quiet.
When later it came to continuing by train or bus, Rab was the one who asked.
‘I say, Gregor, shall we take the bus_’
‘I_’
‘Right, bus it is.’
This time Gregor could take it no more, and accused his friend of taking all the decisions.
‘Come off it, you always agree, I only decide after you say aye.’
‘Yes, but you never let me continue. I just begin by saying I, and you cut me off.’
‘Didn’t you know the word aye means yes?’
Of course he didn’t, because Rab had just invented the word.
