[tlhIngan Hol] Klingon Word of the Day: bon

[Steven Boozer]

> Klingon Word of the Day for Sunday, April 09, 2017
> 
> Klingon word: bon
> Part of speech: verb
> Definition: share with
> Source: qepHom 2016

Lieven reported this new word on 11/07/2017:

---begin quote---

There are two words for "share."

When A shares something (C) with B, the verb to use is {bon} ("share with") and the construction is {B-vaD C bon A} (with appropriate verb prefixes depending on what A and C are). In this case, C belongs to or is controlled by A and A chooses to share it with B.

When A and B share something with each other (share some {qagh}, say), the verb to use is {lIn} "share") and the construction is {C lulIn A B je} (or {C lIn A B je} if C is plural, and, again, with appropriate verb prefixes). In this case, the speaker is noncommittal about whether A or B is the one who decided to do the sharing with the other.

There is an idiomatic expression: {lInchuq} "share each other."

This is not a euphemism, but Maltz admitted it's a little risqué. {lInchuq} ("they share each other") means that they (whoever is being talked about) have a physical relationship of some sort. The phrase is general - it doesn't imply anything about exactly what they do physically. It also doesn't necessarily mean that they are doing something right now (at the time of speaking).

The relationship could be relatively light (a little nibbling) or heavier (really biting) or beyond (Maltz thought that Terrans might find that part a bit risqué).
	
As with other verbs with {-chuq}, the prefix has to indicate a plural subject and no object:
   {malInchuq}
   {SulInchuq}

---end Okrand's quote---

By the way, Okrand was surprised when I pointed at him that {bon} is {nob} ("give") backwards. It was definitely not intentional. 

(but I think it's a good way to memorize.)

--
Lieven L. Litaer
aka Quvar valer 'utlh
Grammarian of the KLI

---end Lieven's quote---



--
Voragh
tlhIngan ghantoH pIn'a'
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons