The English language always amazes me with the endless opportunities for creating entertaining double entendre as well as phrases that can be quite easily taken both ways (the last bit there will have activated the snigger region of the brain in anyone with a so called dirty mind).

Being fairly well versed in the art of pointing out the smutty nature of seemingly innocent comments, I couldn’t help laughing at the following two phrases taken from the 1963 edition of Kempes Engineering Yearbook which at first glance wouldn’t be an obvious source of puerile amusement.

Firstly, from the Mining Engineering chapter we have the following description of ground works designed to minimise surface level subsidence :

“… alternatively, a well stowed goaf can be employed.”

If that raised a smile then you know exactly what I am talking about and if not then its your loss!

Secondly, from the chapter on the design of steel castings we have this :

“Adequate stiffness can be assured with a correctly gusseted flange.”

I think I need to go and lay down for a while.