Potable

Word of the Day Wednesday, March 17, 2010

potable

\POH-tuh-buhl\ , adjective;

1. Fit to drink; suitable for drinking; drinkable.

noun:
1. A potable liquid; a beverage, especially an alcoholic beverage.


John wiped his brow again for the umpteenth time and forced himself to take another drink of the marginally potable coffee the secretary had offered him.

"I don't understand," he said again slowly, looking the very serious balding man in front of him in the eye.

"What do you not understand?" the man asked leerily just as tired and at his patience end as John felt.

"I don't understand what about this whole situation constitutes sexual harassment," his voice rising on the last word.

The man sighed deeply. "Mr. Farragut. Your son pinched a little girl inappropriately on the playground. The girl complained to her mother and there is now a sexual harassment complaint."

"But it was St. Patrick's Day! And the girl wasn't wearing green! And it was on the arm! And they are six! Isn't this just a case of kids being kids?" John burst out.

"Mr. Farragut. My personal opinion on this case is irrelevant. I'm just passing along the information and advising you about the next steps in this process. Although I would imagine it would be completely reasonable to work this issue out without any further legal proceedings. However, Ms. Schubert seems disinclined to cooperate," the man replied, his lips set in a thin, drawn line.