[Musings] Cynics

[dancefloorlandmine]

One of my colleagues has just said, "Call me a cynic." I'm now wondering whether this would be like calling someone a cab ... do they give an ETA in the next half hour, and then sit outside muttering to themselves? And are there two kinds - licensed cynics (wearing black, perhaps - hmmm, found myself a career), and dodgy unlicensed, unmetered cynics who hang around outside offices offering cynicism at cheap rates, with whom you have to agree the price at the outset?

Comments

[loraine.livejournal.com]

I think it is time you went home...

[valkyriekaren.livejournal.com]

With an unlicensed one, you probably only get ennui.

[redcountess]

I think reddragdiva is a licensed cynic, although he seems to be going soft in his old age ;-)

[vatine]

There's two major kinds of licensed cynics. There's the Black Cynics (usually found romaing with hackneyed eyes), who are allowed to spout cynisism (on the meter!) wherever you find them. There's also minicynics, who you have to book in advance (either by phoning for them or visit a cynic-dispatching office).

The rumour that Black Cynics must have a bottle of whisky in their back=-pocket is, alas, an urban legend, harking back to when they were the only licensed drunks found roaming the streets.

You called a Cynic, sir?

[hairyears.livejournal.com]

A schedule of fees for Cynicism is available on request.

A full professional service of scepticism, dispassionate analysis, presentation of worst-case scenarios and factual debunking is available to carefully-selected clients.

As an introductory offer, I am prepared to waive my consulting fee for cases requiring immediate ridicule.

[easterbunny.livejournal.com]

I HATE people who say this. Generally this is because they are 14 year old boys who lean back and slit their eyes after spouting forth some polemic gleaned from zealous memorization of South Park episodes and end with, "Call me a cynic," as though this is a direct challenge to see if one will actually riposte with "No, I will call you a twit. Now fetch my tea."

Call me a solipsist.

[vatine]

Sorry, our resident solipsist does not accept calls from her imagined reality.

[d-floorlandmine.livejournal.com]

True - but this particular colleague used to work in social work and counselling, is a socialist betrayed by New Labour, has just realised she could technically be old enough to be my mother, and has an inspiring G&T habit. And is most definitely a sardonic cynic ...

[cookwitch.livejournal.com]

Now where's a Tex when you need one to illustrate a point then?

[grins]

[silenttex.livejournal.com]

I find that I don't have to call myself a cynic. Others will do that for me. If they don't then I try sarcasm.

what a wonderful idea...

[fire-kitten.livejournal.com]

i shall have to suggest this to various people...

:-)

[moral-vacuum.livejournal.com]

I like your view of the world, Sir.

I want a cynic licence and a misanthrope licence. Although I look upon it less as a profession, more as a vocation.

[d-floorlandmine.livejournal.com]

The gentleman amateur approach ...

[moral-vacuum.livejournal.com]

Of course!

[d-floorlandmine.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't expect any less from you, sir!

Cynic or not cynic, that is the question...

[silenttex.livejournal.com]

But do you differentiate between real cycnicism, the kind studied and polished by the bitter experience of life, applied with wit and intelligence, and the pseudo-cynic with their pretentious, world-weary posturing and ennui? I find that anyone who says "Call me a cynic" falls, by definintion, into the second category. If you have to ask someone to call you a cynic... YOU'RE NOT.

Re: Cynic or not cynic, that is the question...

[moral-vacuum.livejournal.com]

But what about pretentious world-weary posturing applied with wit and intelligence? It can be entertaining (although if taken too far it all goes a bit too Will Self).