The Editor, Sir:

The following piece of correspondence was sent to my mail-box recently.

New lexicon:

Usain (v) - to break every world record and thereby annoy the Americans at the Olympics.

Showbolting (v) - the practice of celebrating victory before the end of an event while still winning the event and breaking a record.

Jamaicanly (adv) - to defy the odds with style, flair and aplomb in such a manner as would normally be deemed incredible or impossible.

Blazing (verb) - to run like the Jamaican women in the 100m final.

Jamazing (adj) - to be extraordinary despite the fact that you are from a Third-World nation where everyone learns to run "barefoot on grass"; usually involves defeating First-World nations in competition; usually also inspires 2.7 million people to resort to dancing in the streets, screaming and using dutch pot covers like cymbals.

PS: If you heard the world-record holder (100 metres) with a twang on American TV, it's because there is a bit of USA in BOLT!

I am, etc.,

D. VINCENT

delanoisavp@gmail.com

4 Grove Pk Ave, Kgn 8

Via Go-Jamaica