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ry commented on the word imp of the perverse
metaphor describing a tendency or urge to do the wrong thing under a given set of circumstances, for no other reason than that it is possible to do so. cf. shoulder angel, shoulder devil.
possibly coined by Poe in his short story (1845) of the same name. Also used by Neal Stephenson in the Baroque Cycle books.
February 7, 2013
deinonychus commented on the word imp of the perverse
Ooh, that sounds like an interesting (professional? honorary?) title...
February 7, 2013
hernesheir commented on the word imp of the perverse
T.S. Eliot was imp of the purr-verse in his work Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.
February 7, 2013