Like most specialists, Gadgeteers have their own set of jargon that is difficult to understand, but as part of an ongoing series, your intrepid reporter will attempt to uncover this strange and glorious word set. As in previous columns on professional jargon, the more basic terms will appear toward the front, with the exception of derogatory terms, which do not have their place in here (and which my editor would fire me for at any rate). So, without further ado, the secret language of the Gadgeteers.
"Trainee": n, Apprentice to a gadgeteer. Usually signifies a teacher-student relationship similar to craftsmen of old. Nate's a good trainee, works hard and doesn't complain.
"Matchbox House": n, A factory dedicated to cranking out minor conveniences, especially textiles. It apparently comes from the fact that many of them contain large amounts of flammable materials. That old matchbox house on grand is gonna flicker one of these days.
"Gearbox": n, A gadgeteer's toolbox. So called because gadgeteers of a century ago often stored gears of varying sizes in their toolboxes. Don't touch the gearbox if you value your arm.
"Old Hand": n, A master gadgeteer. Usually used as a term of respect. Pete's an old hand, best in the country. Maybe even the continent.
"Flicker": v, To go up in flames. It can be used for anything flammable, although when I asked whether this included people I got a few strange looks and a tentative yes. You hear 'bout that loco that flickered last night?
"Loco": n, Train. Someone idiot tried to flicker the loco.
"Fat Bird": n, Airship. That moron couldn't get a skinny bird in the air, what makes him think he can wangle a fat one?
"Wangle": v, To get something to work. The term is usually disparaging, as it suggests a lack of skill. It usually involves a process called "Jury-rigging", which (contrary to popular belief) does not involve the Hesperian court system. He's gonna wangle an engine and it's gonna flicker on him, you wait and see.
"Skinny Bird": n, Bird in the traditional sense. That trainee's so blind he couldn't tell a gearbox from a skinny bird if you tied a one to each hand.
With Venus’ power we enhance
ReplyDeleteThrough the Lighthouse we give hand
The earth and rock which we command
Take charge of world Weyard’s sand.
With Jupiter’s power we can hear
The screech and howl of a storm so near;
Fear the forming of the wind
Lightning strikes for those who’ve sinned.
With Mars’ power we can tame
The passion which burns the candle’s flame;
Anger rebirths life in the ashes tears,
Destructive forces of Weyard, fear.
With Mercury’s power we can feel
An azure ocean’s breeze so real;
With frigid ice and downpour rain
Thrice you’ll feel the ocean’s pain.
The adepts’ power we can be,
In Lighthouses of Weyard you can see,
That which we store: elements’ energy.
Venus’ Earth was given worth.
Jupiter’s Storms were given form.
The Flame of Mars, controlled and tame.
The ocean’s Tides of Mercury abides.
The world’s power we held within.
This was our legend, the Weyard Djinn.