A LIMERICK PRIMER

The Omnificent English Dictionary in Limerick Form (or OEDILF) has published more than 97,000 definitions written in the singsong poetry of a fiveline limerick. Here are some examples selected from the website.

ABSTRACT When my paint bottles spilled, how I swore! They spread red, blue and yellow; what’s more, Purple, orange and green Then appeared in the scene As an abstract was formed on the floor. — by art bates

AEQUEOSALINOCALCALINOCERACEOALUMINOSOCUPREOVITRIOLIC The waters where babies should frolic Whenever they’re subject to cholic Are aequeosalinocalcalinoceraceoaluminosocupreovitriolic. —by Graham Lester

BOILERPLATE Here’s a boilerplate limerick style: The rhythm and meter beguile. The lines at the core Are too droll to ignore, And a joke at the end makes you smile. —by David Schildkret

CCTV (closed-circuit television) What’s to fear from a camera or three And appearing on CCTV? Having every move tracked Is a comfort, in fact. Why, the state’s like a brother to me. —by speedysnail

CONTROL-W Many websites you may have been cruising. Time to close some you’re no longer using: Hold Control plus one key: Don’t think “close” and press “C” — No, it’s W. Ain’t that confusing? —by zqms

DESCARTES, RENE Trigger knows about physics, of course, When it deals just with speed, mass or force. But his mind tends to jam On “I think, so I am.” So please don’t put Descartes ’fore this horse. —by zqms