# Superheroes' useless tics **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 12, 2011, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117 "2011-04-12T17:22:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2011, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/61 "2011-04-15T20:07:47Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > That’s pronounced _hollyhooha_, right? That’s TWO. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2011, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/62 "2011-04-15T20:21:43Z")
When we get to three somebody’ll post on topic! ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2011, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/63 "2011-04-15T20:53:37Z")
You know what I always found useless? That flying pose - the one where the hero has one arm thrust forward and the other arm back and one leg bent forwards while the other is straight back. Like [this](http://www.familycourtchronicles.com/philosophy/superhero/superhero.jpg) or [this](http://supermantv.net/art/r-supergirl-10-supergirl-and-the-legion-of-superheroes-88.htm) or [this](http://dclips.fundraw.com/400dir/excl_ed_comoglio_Image21.gif) or [this](http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/83138/83138,1238978887,2/stock-vector-superhero-flying-28006691.jpg) or [this](http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/98191/98191,1227228290,2/stock-photo-superhero-flying-up-20857276.jpg) or [this](http://photoshoproadmap.s3.amazonaws.com/superheroes/3.jpg) or [this](http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/59156/59156,1288717031,4/stock-vector-illustration-of-an-amazing-superhero-dressed-in-yellow-and-green-costume-with-cape-flying-through-64249021.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2011, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/64 "2011-04-15T20:59:22Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > You know what I always found useless? That flying pose - the one where the hero has one arm thrust forward and the other arm back and one leg bent forwards while the other is straight back. Like [this](http://www.familycourtchronicles.com/philosophy/superhero/superhero.jpg) or [this](http://supermantv.net/art/r-supergirl-10-supergirl-and-the-legion-of-superheroes-88.htm) or [this](http://dclips.fundraw.com/400dir/excl_ed_comoglio_Image21.gif) or [this](http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/83138/83138,1238978887,2/stock-vector-superhero-flying-28006691.jpg) or [this](http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/98191/98191,1227228290,2/stock-photo-superhero-flying-up-20857276.jpg) or [this](http://photoshoproadmap.s3.amazonaws.com/superheroes/3.jpg) or [this](http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/59156/59156,1288717031,4/stock-vector-illustration-of-an-amazing-superhero-dressed-in-yellow-and-green-costume-with-cape-flying-through-64249021.jpg). We didn’t get to three yet! I call that punch-you-in-the-face flying. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2011, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/65 "2011-04-15T21:09:42Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > You know what I always found useless? That flying pose - the one where the hero has one arm thrust forward and the other arm back and one leg bent forwards while the other is straight back. Like [this](http://www.familycourtchronicles.com/philosophy/superhero/superhero.jpg) or [this](http://supermantv.net/art/r-supergirl-10-supergirl-and-the-legion-of-superheroes-88.htm) or [this](http://dclips.fundraw.com/400dir/excl_ed_comoglio_Image21.gif) or [this](http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/83138/83138,1238978887,2/stock-vector-superhero-flying-28006691.jpg) or [this](http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/98191/98191,1227228290,2/stock-photo-superhero-flying-up-20857276.jpg) or [this](http://photoshoproadmap.s3.amazonaws.com/superheroes/3.jpg) or [this](http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/59156/59156,1288717031,4/stock-vector-illustration-of-an-amazing-superhero-dressed-in-yellow-and-green-costume-with-cape-flying-through-64249021.jpg). I heard it is supposed to stabalize the person as they are flying. ---
**Author:** ![Balance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@Balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balance)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2011, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/66 "2011-04-15T21:35:04Z")
> [@Tahssa](#): > > I heard it is supposed to stabalize the person as they are flying. Specifically, it allegedly helps in dealing with turbulence, according to a brief exchange between Superboy and Brainiac 5. Why it should, I have no idea, but I suppose that just means I don’t have a 12th level intellect. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![G0sp3l](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c68b51/32.png) [@G0sp3l](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G0sp3l)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2011, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/67 "2011-04-15T23:42:46Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > :eek: :mad: > > Filthy Quesada-lover! This affront shall not be forgotten! Quesada-lover! After ‘One More Day’!?!? I have been besmirched! Choose your second sirrah. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2011, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/68 "2011-04-15T23:51:29Z")
> [@G0sp3l](#): > > Quesada-lover! After ‘One More Day’!?!? > > I have been besmirched! Choose your second sirrah. Why? I’ve already put the itching powder where it needs to be. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2011, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/69 "2011-04-15T23:59:12Z")
Note that the “punch-you-in-the-face” pose is necessary even for flying [via plasma cannon propulsion](http://www.schlockmercenary.com/2001-01-22). ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2011, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/70 "2011-04-16T00:02:19Z")
As I think on it, I don’t think I’d want to fly with my legs straight and torso parallel to the ground. That sounds hard on the neck. If you’re from Krypton you might not care, but I still think a slightly altered pose wold be more comfortable. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2011, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/71 "2011-04-16T03:12:00Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > We didn’t get to three yet! Three? I thought five was next. > [@Biggirl](#): > > I call that punch-you-in-the-face flying. And if that doesn’t work you’re ready to follow up with a kick-you-in-the-groin. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2011, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/72 "2011-04-19T18:41:57Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > Or I could have simply written “j as in jerry versus j as in Hallejujah,” thus avoiding information overload. That’d work, too. Just don’t use “J as in Jesus”. 😉 > [@Biggirl](#): > > That’s pronounced _hollyhooha_, right? Leave Holly’s hooha out of this! > [@G0sp3l](#): > > I have been besmirched! Choose your second sirrah. What’s my first sirrah? What’s a sirrah? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2011, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/73 "2011-04-19T19:47:40Z")
“Sirrah” is a variant form of “sir”, and was used in the vocative voice there. A second is a friend who accompianies one to a duel, to see to it that the proper protocols are followed, and to make arrangements in the event of the death of the dueller. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2011, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/74 "2011-04-19T19:53:12Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > “Sirrah” is a variant form of “sir”, and was used in the vocative voice there. A second is a friend who accompianies one to a duel, to see to it that the proper protocols are followed, and to make arrangements in the event of the death of the dueller. Don’t be silly. [Sirrah](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrah) is a red wine. Ask for seconds. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2011, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/75 "2011-04-19T19:56:28Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > “Sirrah” is a variant form of “sir”, and was used in the vocative voice there. A second is a friend who accompianies one to a duel, to see to it that the proper protocols are followed, and to make arrangements in the event of the death of the dueller. While this is true, there’s a gradation to its meaning you omitted: > [@the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. Me being me I am going to assume Tolkien wrote it though of course there's no proof](#): > > sirrah /0ˈsɪrə/ noun¹. arch. E16. > [ORIGIN Prob. repr. form of sire noun with last syll. finally assim. to ah interjection. See also sir. Cf. sorry noun¹.] > > _Sirrah_ is, in short, inherently disrespective, the way _sir_ is sometimes used in uncivilized locations in Manhattan. 😃 > > Sir. Chiefly as a form of address to a man or boy (formerly also to a woman), expressing contempt, reprimand, or authoritativeness. ---
**Author:** ![G0sp3l](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c68b51/32.png) [@G0sp3l](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G0sp3l)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2011, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/76 "2011-04-20T21:38:08Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > “Sirrah” is a variant form of “sir”, and was used in the vocative voice there. A second is a friend who accompianies one to a duel, to see to it that the proper protocols are followed, and to make arrangements in the event of the death of the dueller. > [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > While this is true, there’s a gradation to its meaning you omitted: Nearly brings a tear to my old eyes. 😃 I really love this place. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2011, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/77 "2011-04-20T21:46:30Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > “Sirrah” is a variant form of “sir”, and was used in the vocative voice there. A second is a friend who accompianies one to a duel, to see to it that the proper protocols are followed, and to make arrangements in the event of the death of the dueller. A comma (,) is a form of punctuation used to offset a form of address. “Choose your second, sirrah!” Sirrah is a form of address. “Choose your second sirrah!” Sirrah is some kind of object that I get to pick. (I do appreciate the info on “sirrah”, though, as I am unfamiliar with it.) ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/78 "2011-04-21T04:07:47Z")
Yeah, it would flow a little better with a comma there, but that’s still what **G0sp3l** intended. ---
**Author:** ![G0sp3l](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c68b51/32.png) [@G0sp3l](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G0sp3l)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/79 "2011-04-21T21:52:33Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Yeah, it would flow a little better with a comma there, but that’s still what **G0sp3l** intended. :smack: I thought I had put a comma there. ☹ Mrs. Benefield, my fourth grade English teacher, is gonna have my fingers broken. ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Tyger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Silver\_Tyger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Tyger)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2011, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117/80 "2011-04-22T00:19:20Z")
To wander back ON topic. 😛 > [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > Green Lantern’s oath seemed silly to me even when I was kid. One of the explanations I heard was that the words didn’t matter - it functioned as a timer so he knew how long to keep the ring there. _shrug_ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superheroes-useless-tics/578117.md?page=5)