Let Me Be Frank with You

by Richard Ford

would be challenging, for instance, for a native Czech speaker to fully appreciate the words poop or friggin’, or the phrase “We’re pregnant,” or “What’s the takeaway?” Or, for that matter, awesome when it only means “tolerable.” Or preemie or mentee or legacy. Or no problem when you really mean “You’re welcome.” Likewise, soft landing, sibs, bond, hydrate (when it just means “drink”), make art, share, reach out, noise used as a verb, and . . . apropos of Magic One-Oh-Seven: F-Bomb.

don’t look in mirrors anymore. It’s cheaper than surgery.

fear an embrace. It could damage my neck and render me an invalid.

surprised as a betsy bug on a cabbage leaf.