Word of the Day

[mathhobbit]

Supernumerary

Not to be confused with superluminary.

Comments

[desireearmfeldt]

I have played a Supernumerary on the stage! Literally, there's even a song where they introduce themselves as the Supernumeraries!

[mathhobbit]

Gosh, and until this week I didn't even know the word!

[sauergeek]

I thought the whole point of a supernumerary was that they didn't have any lines? But if the play is riffing on that... What play?

[desireearmfeldt]

The Grand Duke (Gilbert & Sullivan).

The Prince of Monte Carlo has hastily put together a show of his new wealth:

Prince:
We're rigged out in magnificent array
(Our own clothes are much gloomier)
In costumes which we've hired by the day
From a very well-known costumier.

Costumier: I am the very well-known costumier.

Princess:
With a brilliant staff a Prince should make a show
(It's a rule that never varies),
So we've engaged from the Theatre Monaco
Six supernumeraries.

Supernumeraries: We are the supernumeraries.