10 minutes
233 words
2 professors debating
one word.
Challenge word: "Somewhat"
"'Somewhat?' Larry! What kind of weasel word is that?" Charlie demanded. "I ask you a straightforward question and you give me an answer like 'somewhat.'" Charlie paced, more agitated than Larry had seen him in a long time.
"Well, Charles, I was concerned about what your reaction would be if I were to be brutally honest with you. And, see, you have proved me correct." Larry stood and picked up his briefcase. "And now I'm late to class. I'll see you later."
"Wait!" Charlie pleaded. "I'm sorry. I overreacted. Please, give me your honest opinion."
Larry hesitated, narrowing his eyes and studying his dear friend. "Why are you so certain that my honest opinion is NOT 'somewhat?'"
"Because, Larry, just two seconds ago, you said you were concerned about my reaction to a brutally honest answer. Therefore it follows that 'somewhat' was NOT a brutally honest answer. So, tell me. What is your brutally honest answer?"
"Now, Charles, just because an answer is not BRUTALLY honest, it does NOT necessarily follow that the answer is not honest. Therefore, 'somewhat' is just as likely to be an honest answer as it is to be a – what did you call it? -- a 'weasel word."
Charlie sighed. "All right. Point to Professor Fleinhardt. Are you saying that 'somewhat' is your honest opinion?"
Larry smiled enigmatically as he headed into the hallway. "Not necessarily."