Wednesday, July 15, 2009

A Lesson in Homonyms

I have a son who is a stickler for rules. Look at his toes - they were told to keep them on the line. His toes never left that line for the whole performance.

Lately he has been very frustrated with his sisters not putting their shoes away. The rule is: all shoes go in your bottom cubby, hats and soccer gear in your top cubby. So yesterday we returned from day camp and they filed in the front door. One of his sisters left her flip flops at the door. He huffed. He picked up her shoes and he put them away for her.
I commented, "Wow Justin, you're going to have to charge her for all the times you've put her shoes away for her."
Next thing I see a slight blur as Justin runs by and tackles his sister to the ground. She peers up at me, slightly startled wondering what just hit her.
Justin looks up and says, "What? You told me to CHARGE her."
It took a second for it to register and then I busted my gut laughing.
A little lesson in homonyms.
CHARGE definition #1: to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
CHARGE definition #2: to demand payment
My comment referred to definition #2 assuming that maybe a nickel or dime should change hands.
His actions referred to definition #1 assuming that his sister needed to be "taken out" for her actions (or rather, lack of action).
Another life lesson learned in the midst of living.

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Me and G

Me and G