Denis Kilcommons col: Is it to early to firkle my potatoes?

Jul 7 2009 by Denis Kilcommons

THIS column is a boon to the English language. It inspires discussion on the merits of words as diverse as conniption and parsimonious and now it has prompted the creation of a new word.

Try rolling "firkle" around your tonsils and see how it sounds.

David Guyler offers this delightful expression after reading about my problem with growing potatoes. How will I know when they are ready? I asked.

Try putting your hand in the grow bag and feeling them, I was told.

"To 'feel' for them seems to me to be too sensitive and cautious whilst to 'grope' appears too harsh and insensitive, besides reminding me of my former years," says David.

"This is a delicate but firm operation which needs a new verb to convey adequately the action of examining the plants. Paul, my friend and adjoining plot holder has devised a verb which I feel aptly fits the occasion.