Figures of Speech Served Fresh

Quote:  "Yes, I am cozy with lobbyists, but I have never done anything unethical." New House majority leader John Boehner, in the Washington Post.

Figure of Speech:  concessio (con SESS io), the jiu-jitsu figure.

Figaro couldn't be more pleased! A figure of speech just became the most powerful congressman on K Street.  (We hear there may be something called a Speaker, but that's probably just a Washington rumor.)

In an upset vote, House Republicans chose Boehner, a reform candidate who won't kowtow to special interests. That's because he is a special interest. The perma-tanned pol, whose cozy Florida beach parties amuse the Gucci Gulch crowd, once handed out checks from the tobacco lobby on the House floor.

While campaigning for his new job, Boehner used a concessio (Latin for "concession"; the Greek term is paromologia), a figure that admits a point and uses it to make a stronger one.

While fellow Figaroans note that Boehner pronounces it "BAY ner," we prefer boner. We trust that the majority leader will use it liberally -- er, often.

Snappy Answer:  "With reformers like you, who needs special prosecutors?"