Word of the Day

Brought to you not by email from M-W, but Tom Maguire of the Maguire Report.

émi·nence grise
Pronunciation: A-mE-näns-grEz
Function: noun
: a confidential agent; especially : one exercising unsuspected or unofficial power*

Used to describe Carl ROVE, get outta town!!

Although one can scarcely tell by checking Memeorandum, there is other news than Newsweek in the “Immedia” – Bill Frist may press the nuclear button this week on behalf of Judge Priscilla Owens of Texas. The Times tells us that Karl Rove is the eminence grise behind her rise, which is the sort of connection that Avedon Carol loves to read about.


Oh Lordy! Well-read fellas who write all purdy make me tingly…
*Inflected Form(s): plural éminences grises /same/
Etymology: French, literally, gray eminence, nickname of Père Joseph (François du Tremblay) died 1638 French monk and diplomat, confidant of Cardinal Richelieu who was known as Éminence Rouge red eminence; from the colors of their respective habits

categories Littrachure | | datetime May 16, 2005 5:20 pm

9 Responses to “Word of the Day”

  1. Nightfly says:
    May 16, 2005 at 5:52 pm

    This only reminds me of the Who song “Eminence Front.” It’s a put-on!

  2. Ken Summers says:
    May 16, 2005 at 9:21 pm

    M&Ms grease? If you say so…

  3. The Real JeffS says:
    May 17, 2005 at 2:08 am

    Isn’t “Gray Eminence” a rap “artist”? 😛

  4. Mr. Bingley says:
    May 17, 2005 at 2:40 pm

    Eminem’s Grease?
    Ick.

  5. Ken Summers says:
    May 17, 2005 at 6:41 pm

    “Eminence grise” – that’s so yesterday.

  6. Ken Summers says:
    May 18, 2005 at 12:03 am

    But wouldn’t Eminence Grease be a great name for a rock band?

  7. Ken Summers says:
    May 18, 2005 at 8:41 am

    Yoo hoo! Anyone home?

  8. Mr. Bingley says:
    May 18, 2005 at 9:02 am

    Sorry! I’m back…

  9. tree hugging sister says:
    May 18, 2005 at 10:10 am

    And I’m not paying attention to any of you.

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