Rach off

[Tim Conway <tpconway@ozemail.com.au>]

Sorry to introduce an impolite element to the endless discussion of Mr R, 
but here in Australia a common oath used when abjuring an obstinate 
person to depart or even make way is 'rack orf!'. I had always assumed 
that this usage was a 'polite' departure from the more base word 
associated with coition, 'rack' being somewhat similar in sound.

All that surmise has now changed. It is clear that those wise old Aussies 
of yesteryear were way ahead of f-minor. What they were (and still are 
saying) is not 'rack' but 'Rach'. They could spot a wowser a country mile 
off and obviously Mr R, in their opinion, was one of the worst. 'There's 
no man in Rachmaninoff' is probably the thought they had in mind 
listening to his limp concerti and flaccid preludes. I agree, cobbers.

So in conclusion, may I suggest to all those endeavouring to continue 
this thread, please Rach off? (Mea culpa and sorry, Mary Jo, but I'm more 
offended by the Rach-supporters than they will be by my mild insult.)

Tim Conway
<tpconway@ozemail.com.au>