The bardess of Wasilla-overlooking-Russia has taken a bit of flack lately over her use of the non-existent word: refudiate. In her defense, Palin likened herself to William Shakespeare (a comparison beyond the pale of reason) by stating that this literary giant also made up words. Actually, Willie is credited with adding anywhere from 1500 to 2000 new words and phrases to the English language. A fair minded person might argue that if it was alright for Shakespeare then it is alright for Palin. In this case, I am not going to be fair minded. For one thing, Shakespeare was a genius who crafted words into timeless poems and plays. Palin, like our former president George the clueless, is a linguistic idiot.
It has been discussed over the centuries that if Shakespeare truly did make up words that no one had ever heard before then no one would have understood what he was trying to say. A counter argument that makes a great deal of sense is that intelligent people would have considered the context of the new word and given it logical meaning. We can do no less for Palin. So, instead of refudiate might we substitute repudiate? We could, but I am not sure that asking New Yorkers to disown, cast off, or refuse to acknowledge the existence of a mosque really conveys the proper message. Personally, I think the word "reject" would work quite well although it doesn't sound nearly as intellectual as "refudiate" but one must appeal to one's base.
"Hey Booger did you just hear Sarah say one of them there big words?" "I shore did Billy Bob." "What's it mean Booger?" "Hell, I don't know, but it shore does make my wee-wee hard when she talks talk like that there."
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