Rigdum Funnidos

Rigdum Funnidos is a character in Henry Carey's "Chrononhotonthologos" (1734). Rigdum Funnidos is the comically plain-spoken contrast to the bombastic Aldiborontiphoscophornio. Both are courtiers, but whereas Aldiborontiphoscophornio might explain, when asked who Somnus is,:"The Son of "Chaos" and of "Erebus,":Incestuous Pair! Brother of "Mors" relentless,:Whose speckled Robe and Wings of blackest Hue,:Astonish all Mankind with hedeous Glare;:Himself with sable Plumes to Men benevolent:Brings downy Slumbers and refreshing Sleep,"Rigdum Funnidos responds,:"This Gentleman may come of a very good Family, for aught I know; but I would not be in his Place for all the World." (I i, 47-54).Rigdum is both a Sancho Panza to the absurd Aldiborontiphoscophornio and a figure of the "Plain Dealer" (see "The Plain Dealer" by William Wycherly).

It is also Sir Walter Scott's nickname for John Ballantyne.ref|kirjasto Scott's epithet was a compliment.

References

* http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/ballant.htm