Lost Word Of The Day (53)

I am able to recognise faces well enough but have a shocking memory for names. It might take me several minutes before I can recall their name but, fortunately, it is always possible to have a conversation with someone without having to mention their first name.

The Scots have a word for it, tartle, which refers to that awkward moment when you are introduced to someone whose name you cannot recall. If you feel the need to address them by their name but cannot dredge from the recesses of your memory, you could always say “Pardon my tartle”. That will break the ice if nothing does.

More of an age thing, perhaps, but one that is increasingly afflicting me is onomatomania, the annoyance caused by the inability to come up with the right word at the right time. When my mind goes blank, perhaps I should say “Pardon my onomatomania”.