Allah’s Apostle said (S.A.W), “The younger person should greet the older one, and the walking person should greet the sitting one...
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated by Abu Huraira (R.A)
Allah’s Apostle said (S.A.W), “The younger person should greet the older one, and the walking person should greet the sitting one, and the small number of persons should greet the large number of persons.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 74, Number 252
Roald Dahl, one of the most famous children’s authors, worked as a fighter pilot and an intelligence officer during World War II.
Roald Dahl is renowned not only for his storytelling but also for his inventive use of language. Known for classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and The BFG, Dahl had an exceptional talent for blending humor, fantasy, and his ability to create original words that brought his characters and worlds to life, making his stories unforgettable for readers of all ages.
During World War II, Dahl joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1939 and served as a fighter pilot in the Middle East and Greece. His time as a pilot was cut short due to severe injuries sustained in a crash in the Libyan desert.
After his recovery, Dahl was transferred to Washington, D.C., in 1942, where he worked as an intelligence officer for the British Embassy. It was during his time in Washington that he met novelist C.S. Forester, who encouraged him to write about his experiences. This led to Dahl's first published piece, ‘A Piece of Cake’, which recounted his crash-landing and marked the beginning of his writing career.
Dahl’s penchant for inventing words came from his belief that traditional language sometimes lacked the imagination required to describe his vivid and magical worlds. This inventive streak is most evident in The BFG, where he introduces readers to “Gobblefunk,” a language used by the book’s Big Friendly Giant. Words like “snozzcumber” (a foul-tasting vegetable), “frobscottle” (a fizzy drink with peculiar effects), and “whizzpopping” (the after-effects of drinking frobscottle) showcase Dahl’s playful spirit.
Dahl’s words are more than random syllables; they often combine familiar sounds and ideas, creating a sense of both novelty and familiarity. For example, the “snozzcumber” blends “snot” and “cucumber,” hinting at its unpleasant taste without needing further explanation. Similarly, “frobscottle” has a bubbly sound that matches its fizzy, joyful essence. This way of blending sounds and ideas shows Dahl’s understanding of how children respond to language: with curiosity and a readiness to laugh at the absurd.
Dahl’s wordplay was so influential that many of his terms became embedded in popular culture. The Oxford English Dictionary includes several words Dahl coined, such as “scrumdiddlyumptious” (a playful adjective for something delicious) and “oompa-loompa” (the workers in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory). His creations not only entertained readers but also enriched the English language, adding whimsical new expressions that encapsulate feelings and ideas that didn’t quite fit into existing words.
Dahl’s playful language encouraged readers to explore the endless possibilities of words—a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain.
