
Appearing in English in the 13th century, `vice' is a habit considered immoral, depraved and/or degrading. Derived from the Latin word vitium, synonyms for vice include fault, sin, iniquity and infirmity. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a defect or merely a bad habit. No qualms therefore if the vice chancellors of the present genre fail to deliver. That is what they have been chosen for!
During a recent dinner hosted by the vice chancellor of a central university, guests were treated to cocktails by the generous host. Down to few pegs, the host wondered why one guest was without his share of a drink. `So, you don't have such vices,' quipped the vice chancellor. Much before the guest could react, the host went further, `no wonder, you are not a vice chancellor!'.
2 comments:
Thanks for the latest serving of Jalebi. It is interesting to learn about the apt pre-fix 'Vice'. Besides Chancellor, I wonder about 'Vice-presidents' and 'vice-chairmen', 'vice-principals'.
With so many vices around, are the scams brewing up due to them? It calls for a national movement to remove the 'vice' all together or at least replace them ..
I mean with another word like 'Deputy' or 'Additional' ...
-Vijay Rai
Sir, thanks for making us knowing about the historical meaning of 'vice'. We should propagate the soul hidden in the word 'vice' to be replaced with other suitable, befitting and appropriate word instead.
regards
HG
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