Sci is working on about 3.5 hours of sleep right now. This makes her extremely punchy and odd. and possibly slightly crazy. And thus, she may not have been able to help herself in seminar today, and let out a very unlady-like snort in response to the following:
Introducer guy: I am happy to introduce Dr. Super Impressive Dude, Professor Emer-ITIS at Super Hot Uni…
“Emer-ITIS”?
I suppose Introducer Guy had only ever seen it written. The usual pronunciation is “Professor e-MER-itus”, which is super super distinguished professor who has a happy, happy position and paycheck for life. Usually older, white, and male.
Sadly, the poor Introducer guy made this kind of adorable gaffe in front of about 100 people, one of whom was a very punchy and sleep-deprived Sci, who can’t get over how hilarious this is. She has since been running around, asking everyone what kind of disease people think “emer-ITIS” is. Nominations so far:
Emer-ITIS (n):
1) A disease that results from too much tenure
2) The result of one too many MRIs.
3) When professors love science too much
4) An inflammation of the tenure (Sci’s personal favorite)
5) When your deadwood falls off
And now she asks the internets: what is your definition of “emer-itis”? Make Sci laugh this day!
