Shot through the heart
Among my many talents, I have the acute ability to fire off priceless parting words. The words are not pre-meditated, the intention is not to wreak havoc; just simply deliver wit with impeccable timing.
It was brought to my attention back in August, this highly effective tactic is known as “the Parthian shot”. The Parathions were supreme equestrians back in the days of ancient Rome (and before). In battle, they would charge at full gallop towards lines of enemy foot soldiers, execute a sharp u-turn, and loose a volley of arrows as they re-directed away from the battle.
The colloquial translation of the term, however, was adapted to English as a “parting shot”, or a verbal jab or insult directed at a departing individual – which somewhat begs the question: did the verb “to part” evolve (in part) as a result of the aforementioned military tactic? Or, was the term simply a natural fit for a pre-existing phrase form ancient times?
In any event, there have been a few parting shots that come to mind as being particularly havoc evoking:
K We should get a drink some time
CW I don’t date guys who wear Rolex’s*
A Okay, Ciao Bella, I’ll call you later
CW Oh, I thought I’d just wish you well at school this weekend**… (cue the flash of blonde hair, I kept walking)
CW You make me very nervous*** (followed by a quickdeparture).
*I had just sold the guy a Rolex.
**It was a Tuesday.
***This was meant as a warning, not a flirtatious invitation. Of course my phone was ringing 14 hours later. I think my aim was off and the intention missed the mark.
