[tlhIngan Hol] Klingon Word of the Day: jat

[Steven Boozer]

Klingon word: jat
Part of speech: noun
Definition: tongue
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AFAIK never used in a sentence by Okrand.

As food item, see KGT p. 88.

SEE:
jat  		speak incoherently,  mumble (slang) (v)
jat  		be clumsy (Ruk'evet) (v)

(KGT 30):  The Ruk'evet word for "be clumsy" is {jat}, which is phonetically identical to the noun meaning tongue.  Even though this is probably just a coincidence, there is a slang term {jat}, used throughout the Empire but somewhat more frequently in the areas near Ruk'evet, which means "speak incoherently, mumble", a notion with negative connotations for Klingons.  Enunciating Klingon clearly is always important, but one should take extra care to not accidentally say {jat} (mumble) when intending the similar-sounding {ja'} (say), {jatlh} (speak), or {jach} (yell).

  "As you practice speaking, remember: Speak Klingon boldly; do not be meek or hesitant. This could be interpreted as a sign of weakness, a less than admirable trait among Klingons." (CK)

SEE ALSO:
nuj 		mouth (n)
lev 		roof of mouth, palate (n)
wuS 		lip(s) (n)

roS 		lick (v)
rem 		suck (v)

tlhup 		whisper (v)
jatlhHa' 	say the wrong thing, misspeak (v)

--
Voragh
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons