Irritable Vowels

(I am visiting my dad, who is recovering from surgery to remove almost half of his large intestine.)

Me: “Hi, dad. How are you feeling?”

Dad: “A little weird, and very sore.”

(A huge, silly grin spreads across his face.)

Dad: “I have a new nickname, though.”

Me: “Already, huh? What’s that?”

Dad: “Semi-colon!”