Sound and Sense, 2-69

Time for more instances of the homophone: a word pronounced the same as another but differing in meaning, whether spelled the same way or not, as heir and air.

1. minks (noun—plural of mink): a small animal that has a thin body and soft, dark brown fur; the skin and fur of a mink used for making clothing; a piece of clothing (such as a coat) made of mink

2. minx (noun): a sexually attractive and playful woman who often causes trouble (not PC! Dates to 16^th century; origin unknown.)

If you call a woman “minx,”

You’d better pony up for minks.

A word like that just really stinks

With anyone who loves and thinks.

So if you say it, minks must die—

To make a stole (you stupid guy!).

Of course, to think that this will fly

Is just another way to be

So very thoughtless, un-PC.

Don’t be a nut: Keep your mouth shut!