Jack dropped a book onto the prison cells bunk bed. "Doctor Jackson asked me to give this to you, Teal'c until we can get you out of here. "
Teal'c picked up the thick book and turned it reverently in his hands. "You freely give me access to your words?"
"Well yeah," said Jack momentarily puzzled, until he remembered that Doctor Jackson had said that reading had been forbidden by the Goa'uld except to the priests and those close to their so called Gods. "Doctor Jackson's already given you the basics of the English language. He said you were a fast learner which coming from him is a huge compliment by the way."
Teal'c opened the book carefully. The papers inside were delicate and very thin. Lists of words in tiny precise script ran down each page. The meaning and pronunciation for each word was listed alongside. He did not notice when O'Neill left his cell. He became absorbed in the magical words within moments.
The first word he read was Aeolian /ee-OH-lee-uhn/. Of or caused by the wind; wind blown. Pertaining to Aeolus or to the winds in general. Aeolus in Greek mythology is the ruler of winds – from which the term Aeolian is derived.
Teal'c nodded. He had heard of Aeolus. A System Lord that had long ago been defeated by Ba'al. This world then still had memories of the Goa'uld and they still tainted the language of this place.
The next word he concentrated on was 'Codswallop' meaning nonsense or balderdash. Teal'c found his eyebrow rising at the word. Such irreverence in the language. He was astounded that such a word had found a place within a book.
The next word was 'Callipygian' which upon first glance he might have thought originated from Egyptian. However the word meant having an attractive rear end or 'nice buns'. He could not understand the duel reference to food and rear ends.
Hoosegow was a word for a jail or prison. Oocephalus was an egghead. Smellfungus was a perpetual pessimist. Snollygoster was a person that could not be trusted. Nincompoop was a foolish person. Lickety-split was to move as fast as possible.
It did not take Teal'c very long to find himself almost smiling. He had aligned himself with a people that were so relaxed with the written word. He could already see that false Gods would not be tolerated by such people. The book was … entertaining – but very long.
Hours later Daniel Jackson arrived, bringing him his evening meal. "How are you going Teal'c?"
Teal'c nodded his head at the human. "As I am a snollygoster and am unable to use the vomitory to leave this hoosegow, I have been ambulating in a widdershins or boustrophedous pattern.
Daniel's eyes widened behind his glasses. "Ahhh…"
"I wish to learn this worlds speech lickety-split and I would find it helpful if an egghead such as yourself would assist me."
"Oh …. O …kay," said Daniel with a frown of concentration. "That first sentence meant that as you aren't trusted and can't use the exit to leave this prison cell you've been walking in a counterclockwise or back and forth pattern for exercise."
Teal'c nodded his head.
"And you didn't mean to be insulting just then – you were in fact giving me a compliment."
Teal'c looked puzzled.
Daniel sided by him and picked up the dictionary. "I think I need to bring you something a little less complicated to use, Teal'c."