The English love words; which is good, because they are damn good at using them. Whether the topic of conversation is the weather or football, the English are renowned for their way with words. This can also been seen in English literature. Dicken’s great verbosity is quintessentially English: “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” However, in particular I have noticed this gift used for excellent descriptions of the subtlest details, an innate ability of the English to describe the smallest of things fully, efficiently and beautifully. An example:
Yesterday my flatmate Alex and I were in the corridor of our flat passing the rugby ball around after returning from watching our mate Stephen play for the university team. After a good, solid session of spin and pop passes back and forth, Alex looks a bit winded, drowsy: “I think I’ll have a nap” he says. “Sounds good” I reply. But wait, Alex’s face in still locked in deep thought. Alex is very much still debating the pros and cons of whether or not taking a nap is indeed a fortuitous decision. When he said “I think I’ll have a nap” it meant he estimated that he would have a nap after thorough consultation. And after due diligence, it is decided. He states, nodding: “Yes ... I’ll have a cheeky nap.”
Alex's (extremely English) statement is brilliant for several reasons:
First off, Alex starts with a moral dilemma. In the initial statement of “I think I’ll have a nap,” Alex’s usage of “think” demonstrates that it is not fully decided whether mentioned nap will or will not occur. Furthermore, Alex’s pause in speech indicates a pause for thought, a moment for weighing values. Perhaps Alex is not sure he wants to take the nap. Suppose there is some reason that Alex should not take the nap. All these factors must be and are considered, with the resulting verdict in the affirmative; Alex will take the nap. However, the mere affirmation of “Yes” is insufficient. It aptly relates the final outcome, but does not account for Alex’s dilemma and the moral ambiguity attached to said nap. In many ways, Alex’s internal struggle of conflict and anguish over to nap, or not to nap overshadows the eventual conclusion and obvious reality of whether or not he naps. The theatricality surrounding the nap is lost with stark, unadorned confirmation. The listener demands/needs more information.
Second, the length of the nap mentioned is left ambiguous. Alex’s opening statement consisted of no indication of proposed nap’s duration. However, it could be argued, and most would agree, that the hotly debated nap is likely to be of relatively quick character. It is unlikely that Alex would be unsure of, debate about, a nap that is three hours in length. Most probable, Alex is unsure of whether or not he will take a nap that is 10-25 minutes. A short, quick nap. But those two words will not do. “Short” places too much emphasis on the length of the nap. The main goal of the nap is not to sleep for a specific amount of time, but rather to receive a set amount of rest. Additionally, describing the nap as “short,” suggests an unsatisfactory nap, a nap would have been longer under different circumstances. And “quick” proves equally unsatisfactory in that it gives the listener the impression that the nap is rushed. A household chore such as making the bed can be done “quickly,” but how can one sleep quickly? If I were to have a “quick” nap, it sounds like I would never fall asleep.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “cheeky” as: “Characterized by ‘cheek’; insolent or audacious; coolly impudent or presuming.” After my own analysis, I find Alex’s diction to be excellent description of subtle detail and a quintessential example of the gift that the English have in these situations. The moral ambiguity surrounding the question of to nap is captured fully by “cheeky.” Cheeky implies a cloud of sly naughtiness or mild forbiddance within the nap. There is something innocently seductive yet frowned upon the prospect of a nap to Alex. Alex could easily go through with the nap with a clear conscience, but does that necessarily mean he should nap? Could Alex be saved from remonstration in the event of not napping? Alex must answer all of these questions before making the bold, final decision regarding the nap is reached.
Second, perhaps a result of popular connotation as opposed to etymology, the term “cheeky” seems to encapsulate the length of time of Alex’s planned nap. Four hours is not a “cheeky” nap. And, if cheeky describes the nap as “impudent,” then it does not prove to be of great impudence. Rather, Alex’s nap is a mere faux pas, a slight breach in form. If for some bizarre hypothetical reason I would take issue with Alex’ nap on account of it being “insolent,” the amount of “insolence” felt by such a “cheeky” nap would not likely rouse much disdain or affray in my emotions. I would most likely not confront him, maybe if the nap really offended me; but, most likely I would say “cheeky little git” at most.
I heard Alex’s impeccable diction as our rugby tossing session broke and as I sat in my room, I started laughing. “Cheeky nap” I said to myself, chuckling. Instantly, I related with the ambiguously short nap, and indeed the quandary of whether or not such a cheeky nap was worth taking. “Well played, Hatchin’” I thought.
After Alex's brilliant choice of adjective and my thorough/excessive/obsessive analysis, I would guess that it may not surprise the reader to learn that Alex did not in fact take that nap, but was thwarted by the summoning for tea at the last minute. The final piece of the puzzle locks in place, and our drama is complete. Alex is our protagonist and is unsure of many things napping. We have our conflict. Alex believes, “thinks” that he wants to nap. Alex is James Dean, a rebel without a cause. Equipped with a leather jacket and a motorcycle, Alex is a man who says what is on his mind and naps the way he fucking likes to.
But our rising action is drawn from Alex’s internal struggle: Alex is torn between good and evil, heaven and hell, “to nap or not to nap, that is the question.” Eventually, our hero make his decision, he will take this most “cheeky” of naps. Alex’s fate and the fate of our play are sealed, and a climax reached. As Alex's fortunes twist a final time by the mysterious way the world works and he does not nap, he becomes our tragic hero. Alex made the ultimate decision, gave the ultimate sacrifice, but for nothing. Fade to black, roll credits.
As I think about it more, the idea of a “cheeky nap" seems appealing. To me, a “cheeky nap" seems like a lovely nap. A nap of maybe 18 minutes in length where I dream about building a racecar or I have a date with a celebrity. Also, “The Cheeky Nap” seems like a great name for a pub. As in, a man tells his wife he’s going to “have a nap,” only to climb out of his bedroom window and stroll down the street to the pub to have a pint with the lads. That sounds a bit "cheeky" indeed. The possibilities are endless. But, enough about cheeky naps for one day ... LW
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