Tashivation is answering without listening, as one speaks to a beggar—as one talks at a crowded reception, as one answers the man who asks for a loan.
When a man explains machinery to a woman, she tashivates, her mind on pleasanter things; and so, when a woman explains fashions to a man. (See Varm.)
Why do I tashivate, and say
“Oh, yes,” and “Really?”—“Yes?”
Because although she talks, I try
To read my book, I guess.
I nod and smile, and speak, sedate;
My wife keeps on her chatter.
So long as I can tashivate
Her questions do not matter.
Thusk, n. 1. Something that has quickly passed away. 2. A precocious memory; an unnatural feeling of remoteness.
Thusk´y, a. So near, and yet so far.
Thusky are the sounds in the street, as you lie ill in bed in summer. Thusky are your old love letters, tied in blue ribbons, the last one postmarked fully a week ago. (See Iobink.)
Yesterday’s newspaper is thusky, and last year’s popular song. Thusky are the novels that six months since were talked about and read. Thusky are last winter’s styles. (See Gowyop.)
While you are abroad, the American newspapers are thusky; when you are returning, all Europe is a thusk.
Thusky is the house you once lived in; your old sweetheart of college days.