While at London, I spent some time waiting around Raphael’s office, killing time reading The Xenophobe’s Guide to the Greeks. This tiny book is extraordinarily accurate (at least in its use of hyperbole and generalisation) and effective in relating the particularities of the modern Greek condition and the reasons behind them. If ever you have interacted with Greeks and wondered how they came to be that way, this is highly recommended. Enjoy this excerpt on Greek expletives:

The most popular of all is malákas (masturbator) in all its derivatives, ranging from “stupid” to “good, honest fellow” or “my dear friend.” The noun, malakía, has generally the meaning of “nonsense”, but it is also used to describe errors committed or things one disapproves of. Gamó to (fuck), like its derivatives, is used more or less like “damn!” and, unless spoken in anger, has become more a figure of speech.

Meanwhile, your friend and mine, Momus, has released a song about my inevitable fate. Corkscrew King is donationware, with a $1 (€1) recommended donation.