Silver

Silver is a shiny, metallic shade of grey. It is technically grey, but grey that has been polished until it believes it is worth more, and it will not answer to “grey” in public.^[1]

Silver is the colour of the metal silver, a coincidence so convenient that some historians suspect it was arranged.

Second place

Silver is traditionally awarded for coming second, a position defined as being better than everyone except one person. Several studies have found that silver medallists look less pleased than bronze medallists, who are simply happy to be there. The Committee for Second Place has asked that these studies come second in future.^[2]

Silver linings

Every cloud is said to have a silver lining. In 2011 a team of meteorologists flew through 900 clouds looking for one and found only damp. They agreed, however, that the trip had been very educational, and listed this in their report as the silver lining.^[3]

Silver paint

Silver paint has been sold for many years. It dries looking roughly like silver, and is returned by customers who feel they were promised a mirror.

See also

• Grey – the family it doesn't mention
• Cloud – lining not found
• White

References

1. Sterling, S. (1990). Polished Grey. Shine Press.
2. Podium, P. (2006). “Nearly First”. Medal Quarterly 2: 2.
3. Nimbus, N. (2011). Nine Hundred Clouds and No Lining. Damp Books.