LANGUAGE: I’m a lefty, are you? Chances are about 89% you’re not. If you’re a woman, chances are even less—92%.
Lefties or ‘southpaws’ have a long history of being put upon by the right dominated world. And we’re not just being big cry babies about it. In almost any language or culture, there are words or phrases associated with ‘the left hand’ that mean evil, awkwardness, or outright madness. On the other hand, (pun intended) the right is always ‘skillful,’ ‘correct,’ or ‘good.’ (except in politics of course). | Greek | Skaios | ill fated |
| Norwegian | Ventrehandsarbeid (left-hand work) | Sloppy or unsatisfactory |
| Latin | sinister | Left-handed |
| Irish Gaelic | ciotog | Strange person |
| French | gauche | Awkward, clumsy |
| Portuguese | canhoto | Devil |
| German | linkisch | awkward |
| Chinese | zuo | improper |
| English | Left-handed compliment | A veiled insult |
| English | Two left feet | An awkward dancer |
Can openers. Scissors. Knives. Calligraphy. Pencil sharpeners. Many musical instruments. Writing in notebooks. Corkscrews. Door handles. Key slots. Vegetable peelers. Power saws.
There are a couple of good websites devoted to products for lefties. If you have a couple of wayward relatives, a left-handed cork screw might do them wonders as a thoughtful gift. www.thelefthand.com/ www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk/ www.andersonlefthandside.com.au/
FAMOUS LEFTIES: Despite the horrible burdens of left-handedness, many lefties have managed to rise up in the world and lead, create art, write, etc…. Some of my favorite fellow southpaws include:
Leonardo Da Vinci
Queen Victoria of England
Bill Clinton
Benjamin Franklin
David Bowie
Gandhi
Greta Garbo
Bach
Pablo Picasso
Beethoven
Matt Groening
Carol BurnettHANDEDNESS QUIZ: If you think you might be left-handed, or want to join the club, like me, then you need to take a ‘handedness’ quiz. ‘Handedness’ is determined by your hand preference for completing different tasks. As you may know, (especially if you went to Catholic School), you can be left-handed and not write with your left hand. Sister Josephina made sure of that.
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