Many folks think a picture says more than a thousand words but these days of computerese, one needs to be careful. LOL! I rarely even use an emoji for that very reason. I don't have a clue what many of them "mean"--- semantically ambiguous comes to mind."
Catching up on this week's "funnies" aka as "the comics, I came across a word I never recall seeing in print or hearing for that matter. "BRIFFIT."
BRIFFIT. Can you see it in Sarge's word balloon?
It's speed indicative as if someone left so fast
they left behind a cloud of smoke. (lower right)
Obviously there's a lexicon for cartoonists. In fact, Mort Walker, Beetle Bailey's original creator, wrote a book about it, The Lexicon of Comicana. It's a brief book on the language of symbols.
I just didn't know cartoonists used so many illustrations instead of words. Spacewise that's smart. Word balloons I'm familiar with, as I can know which character is speaking reading the balloon above his head. Hearts bubbling out of character's head is an emanta and indicates emotion of love is emanating from him. I've see lines of motion which clearly indicate speed and often direction. Now I know they are labeled hites. Drops of sweat that spray from a character indicate distress are called plewds. The more upset, the greater number of plewds.
Profanity is left out and grawlixes are used instead. For that, I am grateful! (Ephesians 4:29)
At our house, the grands would think Sarge was using an "S" word when screaming at Beetle because "Stupid" is our "S" word and it's not allowed----neither is shutup, another Liles "S" word.
I guess even individual households can have their own jargon.
I guess even individual households can have their own jargon.
