alphonse and gaston
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.68 in modern English
24
Scrabble Score
17
Letters
4
Syllables
11
Unique Chars
Meaning
name
A situation where two people or entities are waiting for each other to proceed, so that neither can take action.
Example Sentences
- "I have noticed myself that even for a single cyclist Palo Alto motorists are too well-wishing, creating the Alphonse and Gaston syndrome that neither will proceed at minor intersections."
- "For years, China and the United States have engaged in a dangerous Alphonse-and-Gaston routine, using each other's inaction to shirk their responsibility."
- "Collins hit a fly ball, and this time Cobb and Veach did the "Alphonse and Gaston" act, with Collins making it to third base."
Etymology
From the name of an American comic strip and its characters, featuring a bumbling pair of Frenchmen with a penchant for politeness.