Kiss. n. A word invented by the poets as a rhyme for "bliss".
Interpretation
This quote humorously suggests that the word 'kiss' was created by poets primarily to rhyme with 'bliss'.
Ambrose Bierce's quote cleverly highlights the playful nature of language and poetry, suggesting that the word 'kiss' is not just a simple term but rather a product of poetic invention aimed at creating rhyme and evoking positive emotions associated with 'bliss'. It reflects the idea that words carry deeper meanings and connections that go beyond their mere definitions.
In practice
Using this quote in a poetic discussion about love can light-heartedly introduce the topic.
PALM, n. A species of tree . . . of which the familiar "itching palm" ("Palma hominis") is most widely distributed . . . . This noble vegetable exudes a kind of invisible gum, which may be detected by applying to the bark a piece of gold or silver.
Human nature is pretty well balanced; for every lacking virtue there is a rough substitute that will serve at a pinch--as cunning is the wisdom of the unwise, and ferocity the courage of the coward.
Indigestion: A disease which the patient and his friends frequently mistake for deep religious conviction and concern for the salvation of mankind. As the simple Red Man of the Western Wild put it, with, it must be confessed, a certain force: 'Plenty well, no pray; big belly ache, heap God.'
Disobey n:To celebrate with an appropriate ceremony the maturity of a command
NOUMENON, n. That which exists, as distinguished from that which merely seems to exist, the latter being a phenomenon. The noumenon is a bit difficult to locate; it can be apprehended only by a process of reasoning - which is a phenomenon.
PARDON, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
Facebook just sounds like a drag, in my day seeing pictures of peoples vacations was considered a punishment
While not exactly disgruntled, he was far from feeling gruntled. He spoke with a certain what-is-it in his voice, and I could see that, if not actually disgruntled, he was far from being gruntled.
People think I'm a very serious actor, which I am. But you know, if you don't have a sense of humor doing what I do, you perish.
The gentle reader will never, never know what a consummate ass he can become until he goes abroad.
But do not give it to a lawyer's clerk to write, for they use a legal hand that Satan himself will not understand.
You can tell how boring a person is by the lack of fear in their eyes when someone is flipping through photos on their phone.
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