Arcanum

Word of the Day Wednesday, February 24, 2010

arcanum

\ar-KAY-nuhm\ , noun;
plural arcana \-nuh\

1. A secret; a mystery.
2. Specialized or mysterious knowledge, language, or information that is not accessible to the average person (generally used in the plural).

"Um," he said, his eyes searching the ceiling as he thought.

"You know that last guy actually had the balls to tell me 'um' was a one syllable word when I did the same thing," she told him leaning forward conspiratorially.

"That guy over there?" he asked nodding to the next table.

"Yeah, like he was on a game show," she added with a laugh.

"Wow, I wonder if that is part of the arcana of the Toxic Bachelor," he mused giving the other guy a closer second look.

"Oooh, Toxic Bachelor, eh? You sound well versed in your Sex and the City episodes," she added with an eye brow arch.

"You know, that was going to be my clever opening question….which Sex and the City character are you the most like? But then I realized that I don't come off as the, err, most masculine date with that sort of question," he said with a hapless shrug, "Unfortunately, I didn't realize that until about three speed dates into this thing."

"Hmm, yes, I can see that. But I'd have to say Miranda with a smidge of Charlotte," she replied, "You?"

"Definitely a Steve with a splash of Burger," he answered promptly.

"Burger, eh?"

"I like the dry, sarcastic wit. And by the way, are you Canadian or something? What is with al the ehs?" he paused a moment, "Wow, that sounds like a bad Wheel of Fortune joke or something."

She giggled, "You're close, a bad habit I picked up from a Canadian friend I used to work with. But I don't know, sometimes a statement just needs an eh."

He nodded, "I can see that."

They were silent a moment.

"So, what was his polysyllabic word?" he asked with a smile.

"You know, we never got that far. Although I guessed sanctimonious prick," she answered and found herself twisting her shoulders into her flirty pose. She was really enjoying this guy.

"Ah, good one. Although…." he trailed off the sentence.

"Yes, I know. Two words. He was sweet enough to point that out as well,"

He burst out laughing, "Oh christ, you've got to be kidding me. Well, I think I have found my polysyllabic word. Enamored." he said with a shy smile.

She grinned, "Very cute."

"What can I say, I'm a sucker for an exotic Canadian accent."

She looked at her watch, "We still have one minute and 14 seconds left."

"Hmm…in that case I better give you my number now while I still have time," he said pulling out a pen and a business card.

"Absolutely," she murmured.