Monday, December 20, 2004
Hammy Linguistics
Last night as Shelly and I were preparing to go to the home of some friends for a ham dinner, I articulated the difference between the terms "ham" and "a ham."
"Ham" is a substance. You put it on sandwiches, pizza, etc. You keep it in your fridge, like you do with ketchup or milk, in case you need some quick meat. It's good, and I like it, but it's a fairly ordinary thing.
"A ham" is an object. It's large, has a bone in the middle, and is drenched with sticky-sweet yummy glaze. You have to cook it yourself and it takes a while to do so. It's a special meal that calls up memories of special moments with special people.
I like ham, but I would much prefer a ham.
"Ham" is a substance. You put it on sandwiches, pizza, etc. You keep it in your fridge, like you do with ketchup or milk, in case you need some quick meat. It's good, and I like it, but it's a fairly ordinary thing.
"A ham" is an object. It's large, has a bone in the middle, and is drenched with sticky-sweet yummy glaze. You have to cook it yourself and it takes a while to do so. It's a special meal that calls up memories of special moments with special people.
I like ham, but I would much prefer a ham.
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