#stronginthearm

[winter-wise]

I was thinking about how Stronginthearm is a common dwarf surname in Discworld, and then I thought "it's as common as 'Smith' in the real world" and then I realised...

Dwarves in Discworld are very literal. A smith would be strong in the arm. Stronginthearm is literally the dwarf equivalent to having the surname Smith.

[pratchettquotes]

"But, look, Vimesy used to say that sort of thing, too, I heard him," said Nobby.

"Yeah, but that was different."

"How?"

"That was Mister Vimes," said Stronginthearm. "Remember that riot in Easy Street last year? Bloke came after me with a club when I was on the ground, and Mister Vimes caught it on his arm and punched the man right in the head."

"Yeah," said Constable Hacknee, another dwarf, "When your back's against the wall, Mister Vimes is right behind you."

Terry Pratchett, The Fifth Elephant

[pratchettquotes]

"If we're going to send a clacks to Mister Vimes then we ought to tell him about the Scone and Sonky," said Reg Shoe. "You know he left a message about that. I've done a report."

"Why? He's hundreds of miles away."

"I'd just feel happier if he knew," said Reg. "'Cos it worries me."

"What good will it do sending it to him, then?"

"Because then it'll worry him, and I can stop worrying," said Reg.

Terry Pratchett, The Fifth Elephant