First encountered: In a lecture on Time and Tense
How it's used: In a literary context it is a function of the present tense in narrative where the 'gnomic present' presents generic truths that are commonly thought to be valid. (Shipman H. 2012)
How you might use it: When being chatted up by someone short, mysterious and not easily understood, you could say 'My, you are Gnomic'.
What might happen: You might get punched on the nose on account of how ignorant, non-literary types might think you are accusing them of being a short, ugly little man who ought to be wearing a pointy hat, and standing over a tiny, tiny stream holding a pretend fishing pole.
You could get one of those here: http://www.gnomeandgarden.com/fishing_gnome.jpg
Where it came from: It sounds greek and the clever version is apparently. As for the short hairy men - apparently french...
If you love gnomes you could go here: http://www.gnomereserve.co.uk/
And if you are over-run, try this: http://www.howtosurviveagardengnomeattack.com/?
Love this entry - especially the tiny tiny stream - not sure why but the second tiny is sheer poetry. Nice!
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