Semantics

[excelsior-1]

A boy asks his father to explain the differences between
irritation, aggravation, and frustration.

Dad picks up the phone and dials a number at random. When the
phone is answered he asks, "Can I speak to Alf, please?"

"There's no one named Alf here." The person hangs up.

"That's irritation," says Dad.

He picks up the phone again, dials the same number and asks for
Alf a second time.

"No -- there's no one here named Alf. You have the wrong number.
If you call again I shall telephone the police." End of
conversation.

"That's aggravation."

"Then what's frustration?" asks his son.

The father picks up the phone and dials a third time:
"Hello, this is Alf. Have I received any phone calls?"