Quote: “Turd Blossom.” Nickname
President Bush gave to consigliore/leaker Karl Rove, along with the
more flattering but still condescending “Boy Wonder”
Figure of Speech: Tapinosis (tap in OH sis), the nickname figure; also Meiosis (my OH sis), the shrinking figure
The president’s use of nicknames displays his genial,
what’s-there-not-to-like sense of humor. And it contains a
powerful underlying message: I’m Leader of the Free World, and
you’re not. When Bush calls Russian President Vladimir Putin
"Pootie-Poot," communications chief Karen Hughes "Lima Green Bean," and
California Senator Barbara Boxer "Ali" (get it?), he establishes a
private, just-you-and-me-kid relationship while showing who’s the alpha
male.
Not
all of Bush’s nicknames fall strictly under the tapinosis figure. His
playful moniker for Vice President Dick Cheney? "Big Time." Eat your heart out, Boy Wonder.
Snappy Answer: Sorry. There isn't any. He's the President, and you're not.
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