Our Quiz Guy John Chaneski invites his alter ego, Dr. Word, to present a quiz about Latin names for working stiffs. This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Dr. Word’s Latin Names Quiz”
You’re listening to A Way with Words, the show about language and how we use it.
I’m Grant Barrett.
And I’m Martha Barnette.
And joining us now from New York City is our quiz guy, John Chaneski.
Hi, John.
Hi, Martha.
Hi, Grant.
It’s great to be here.
What’s up, buddy?
You know what? I’ve decided that I’m not going to present the quiz this week.
Okay.
No?
Sure.
Instead, I’m going to introduce you to a friend of mine.
Okay.
Oh, he’s going to do voices.
Yeah, I’m going to do voices.
He’s a scientist with a strong interest in language.
His name is Dr. Word.
Okay.
Sure.
Here he is.
Say hi, Doc.
Hi, Doc.
Good morning.
Good morning.
How are you?
I’m Dr. Word. I’m interested in things, specifically various evolutionary oddities in anthropology, more specifically modern anthropology.
These would be offshoots of the more commonly known Homo sapiens or modern man of wisdom.
Now, of course, some people say that I unnecessarily obfuscate matters by using Latin names, but I say balderdash.
What is an academic like myself to do if not use more scientifically accurate names for my study subjects?
Now, for example, in the study of sociology, I’ve examined the role of Homo optimus in modern mating rituals with a focus on bachelor party throwing and the delivering of bad or smarmy toasts.
That particular man is the best man, Homo optimus.
Okay, got it.
Got it.
Very good.
Got it.
Homo optimus.
Now, allow me to tell you some more about my work.
In the world of organized crime, a very important role is played by Homo Inflictus, who does a lot of the dirty work.
About hitman.
Yes, that’s what the commonly people call him a hitman.
That’s correct, yes.
In the arts, I’ve found that many people don’t realize the importance of Homo Rectus in many comedy routines.
Straight man.
Yes, very good.
Straight man, yes.
In business, many captains of industry can get nothing done without Homo dextra to handle vital tasks.
Right-hand man.
Yes, the right-hand man. Very good.
Now, on the other hand, Homo itavero adds nothing to the progress of a business, but many CEOs keep him around anyway.
Yes, man.
Yes, that’s correct. Homo itavero is a yes man.
I’ve done a comprehensive study of Homo duchit in the field of film and television.
And as it turns out, he would be nothing without the work of Homo Acrobaticus.
They’ve got the leading man.
There’s two there, yes.
Leading man.
And what’s the second one?
Acrobaticus.
Well, he would be nothing without the work of Homo Acrobaticus.
Thinking high wire, tightrope, but Acrobaticus.
Stunt man.
Stunt man.
Yes, the stunt man.
Very good, Grant.
He’s going too literal.
In literature and film, I’ve become quite fascinated by the success of a character I call Homo ferrum.
Iron Man.
Yes, Iron Man.
It’s just a fascinating character.
Nice.
I’m quite fascinated by vanishing species.
Specimens of Homo lacteus are quite nearly extinct, and Homo glacium has not been seen since the advent of modern refrigeration.
The milkman and the iceman.
Yes, the milkman and the iceman.
And before I leave for work, of course, I check in with Homo Tempestus to see if I should wear my light lab coat or my warm woolen lab coat.
The weatherman.
The weatherman.
Your woolen lab coat.
That one I want to see.
Yes.
Very well done.
I’ll give you back to John Chaneski right now.
John, if you would.
Yes, thank you very much, Dr. Word.
You guys were fantastic.
Yeah, sure.
Thanks.
That was fun.
All right, John, we’ll talk to you next week.
Yeah.
Talk to you then.
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