January 16, 2006

Under Its Spell

Mxyplyzyk Online

The Scene: the final round of the Springfield Middle School spelling bee. Silence and tension blanket the auditorium.

Principal Whipple: Now, Jessica. For the title. Your final word: “mxyplyzyk.”

Jessica: What the — uh, can you repeat the word?

Principal: Mxyplyzyk. A New York store coveted for its chic, often cheeky home and office accessories that recently launched its online outpost so everyone can order its stylish offerings.

Jessica: Um, can you use it in a sentence?

Principal: Mxyplyzyk stocks goods for grown-ups, kids, and pets, like festive French Bull espresso sets, flavored Marvis toothpaste, colorful Alessi watches, and squeaky fleece dog toys. It’s where I bought my patterned Harvey + Strait napkins and vinyl Chilewich place mats. And as soon as this silly bee is done and over, I’m going to make good use of my new Wine Smarts game. (Awkward pause.) Uh, Jessica, you may continue.

Jess: Oh, okay. Mxyplyzyk. M-x-y-p-l-y-z-y-k. Mxyplyzyk.

Principal: Looks like we have a winner!

Thunderous applause.

Available online at mxyplyzyk.com.