Duckitude

“Duckitude” — I didn’t invent the word, but you can bet I will be expanding on it, because in A Ducky World, duckitude is what makes the world go ’round. The first definition of duckitude that I know of can be found at the Urban Dictionary. I won’t provide a link, because, well, the Urban Dictionary is NOT “G” rated.    

Here’s the quote and the attribution — “Duckitude/duk-e-tood/n.\adj”

1. A duck with attitude

2. The attitude of a duck

3. The extreme measures of the inner duck

4. Elite skills which ducks use to find their precise way around difficult situations

5. The ability of a ducks inner conscience

by kl_ducks Jan 28, 2005

The phrase “rolls of her/him like water off a duck’s back” means a person is unaffected by whatever might happen — it is a description of a strength, and that strength is clearly  called resilience and optimism.  

The phrase “feeling ducky” means “feeling good, fine or wonderful.” So, KL_Ducks, in defining “duckitude” at the Urban Dictionary in 2005, really missed the most significant historical and traditional aspect of “duckitude” which is “optimism.” Now, before you go and get your ducky tail all in a twist, yes, resilience is not just about optimism — irony and an ironic perspective about the absurdness of many aspects of life as a human being can go a long way to keeping a ducky floating upright. You betcha (my favorite Ballard saying….)!

Think about it. You can say the words “just ducky” in a tone that conveys, “things are really fine” or you can say it with a tone that translates “not even close to ducky.” I will be writing more about optimism, irony (humor), and resilience (“duckitude”). You can count on it!

Oh, and one other thing that will interest you.   Unlike in the human world, where the term “mankind” stands for all humans, in the duck world the species name “duck” is what the female duck is called.  Male ducks are called “drakes.”   So, I guess you could say that gender equality is a bit more advanced in the duck world.

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