Aug 22, 2024, 12:00 AM
Aug 22, 2024, 12:00 AM

New Word for Reverse Defenestration

Provocative
Subjective
Highlights
  • Judge John Hodgman discusses the need for a new word for reverse defenestration.
  • Exploring alternatives to the traditional act of defenestration.
  • Contemplating linguistic additions to describe unconventional actions.
Story

In a light-hearted exchange, David and his friend Tim delve into the nuances of action film tropes, particularly focusing on the concept of defenestration. While both agree on the definition of the term, which refers to the act of throwing someone out of a window, they find themselves at odds over the meaning of its counterpart, refenestration. This playful debate highlights the broader cultural significance of defenestration in cinema, where it has become a common trope. Historically, defenestration has roots that extend beyond the realm of film, tracing back to a pivotal event in 1618. In Prague, Protestant aristocrats famously threw two Catholic regents out of a window, an act that ignited the Thirty Years’ War. This historical context adds a layer of depth to the term, transforming it from a mere cinematic device into a significant historical act. David humorously suggests that refenestration should specifically refer to throwing someone back through the same window they were ejected from, proposing a need for more creative terminology in action films. He even whimsically introduces concepts like "defenestellations," which would involve throwing someone through a small window, and "decompluviumations," for those tossed through skylights. In conclusion, David's musings not only entertain but also invite screenwriters to explore the potential for innovative storytelling through these unique terms, enriching the action genre with fresh ideas.

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