Several times I have heard people use the term hoi polloi when they are talking about people who they believe to be hoity toity. In much the same way I always want to describe the last few days of the year as the Dog Days.
I haven't worked between Christmas and New Year for many years but this year I am working out my notice and, as I only have three more days in my current job I have lots of clearing up to do. Tomorrow I will be bringing a large bag into work in order to lug stuff home that may be useful to me in my new job.
I am thinking about new year resolutions. This time last year I moved into this flat, this year I am leaving my job and next year - who knows.
Now that I have almost finished watching The Wire - only four more episodes to go - I need to think about ways to occupy myself.
I've had the Shield recommended to me but I'm not as committed to it as the Wire.
Posted by: curious | December 30, 2008 at 11:32 PM
I thought the Hoi Polloi were The Great Unwashed? These truly are Dog Days though, whenever I try to motivate my staff they literally clutch their sides in pain....
However, good news for us Wire fans; Generation Kill, the new series from David Simon and Ed Burns, starts on FX on Jan 25th!
Posted by: Rolpol | December 31, 2008 at 09:08 AM
I will be re-watching all five series of The Wire.
Rolpol you are right about the hoi polloi. The Dog Days seems so apt for the last dogend days of the year but the term actually refers to the hottest days of the year in July/August when the Dog star is easily viewed in the sky.
We shall have to see about Generation Kill - when is it out on DVD?
Posted by: ganching | December 31, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Out in March apparently...
I was once referred to as hoi polloi by a certain new writer whose debut book was almost shortlisted for this year's William Hill Sports Book Of The Year. I shan't type my reply here, but I fear I may have confirmed his suspicions. 'Dog Days' I remember from Dodie Smith's sequel to 101 Dalmations. I'm babbling now, so I shall leave you in peace once I have wished a Happy New Year to you and yours G x
Posted by: Rolpol | December 31, 2008 at 12:06 PM