Tapinosis (ta-pi-no’-sis): Giving a name to something which diminishes it in importance.
Diaper Daddy was at it again. He was President of the United States of America, but we called him “Diaper Daddy” because he wore diapers, pooped himself and threw temper tantrums like a toddler. In addition, we hate him. Most people are happy to call him “asshole,” “shithead,” or “loser.” In fact, the list of derogatory nicknames extends for miles and miles.
Some use alliterations to cast their spell: Turdy Trump” is a favorite. Then, there’s “Tuber Trump,” “Temper Tantrum Trump,” “Twisted Trump,” and “Tubby Trump.”
Our club is devoted to removing Trump from office. We don’t believe in violence, so impeachment is our goal. If we can give him bad enough names that circulate around, and are used by the electorate, our purpose will be served. Our organization is named: “Nickname. Defame. Reclaim.” MAGA (formerly known as the “Republican Party”) had to be soundly defeated in the midterm elections so the Democratic party could re-emerge as the keeper of democratic flame. It has nearly been blown out by Typhoon Trump and his huffing and puffing minions.
Growing up, I was teased all the time. I was called hurtful names that drove me into life’s shadows. So, I know teasing’s power and the power of nicknames to deplete a victim’s ethos and sense of self-worth. It doesn’t matter what their status is, hurling an insult or a debasing nickname diminishes. Even the Dali Llama was called “Doily Llama” by a rival sect. Santa Claus has been called “Satan Claus” by parents who don’t want to spend money at Christmas time. The list goes on.
I was born with one hand and skin like an alligator’s. I was called “Lefty” (I was missing my left hand), “Handy,” and “Slots” after slot machines, also known as one-armed bandits. My name is Rudy, so I was called “Reptile Rudy” after my skin. I was also called “Everglades,” “Snapper,” “Grungy Gator,” and “Gator Boy.”
Nobody liked me. Nobody was my friend. So, I started making up insults and demeaning nicknames for other people. I became known as “Self-Esteem Exploder” and left hordes of broken people in my wake. Nobody was above me. I once called the principal of my high school “Dr. Foreskin.” I called my mother “Saggy.” I called sister “Slutty Pants.” There was no stopping me.
I founded “Nickname. Defame. Reclaim.” when I graduated from high school. So far, I have one other member. She is malicious and even sadistic. When I interviewed her she told me that inflicting pain was her greatest pleasure, and that words are the safest way to do it. She’s called “Whip Lip” by her peers. Her specialty is the “tongue lashing,” a very specialized form of verbal abuse. When we meet, we brainstorm together, insulting Trump and giving him demeaning nicknames.
We’re composing a demeaning rap song together called “Humpy Trumpy” focusing on Trump’s wicked lifestyle. it is composed solely of demeaning insults and nicknames. I’d give you a teaser, but right now it’s top secret. We’re hoping it will push Diaper Man off the face of the Earth.
Definitions courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu.
Daily Trope is available in an early edition on Amazon in paperback under the title of The Book of Tropes for $9.95. It is also available in Kindle format for $5.99.
The Daily Trope 