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Literary notes about zilch (AI summary)

In literature, the word "zilch" plays a dual role, serving both as a character name and as a term to denote nothingness. Authors employ it as a surname to imbue characters with a quirky or memorable quality, as seen with figures like Wilbur Zilch, whose actions drive pivotal plot moments [1], or Prince Zilch, whose presence is marked by subtle detail [2]. At the same time, "zilch" is used in dialogue to denote a complete lack of information or resources, as illustrated by the remark that privately held entities disclose zilch [3]. This versatility is further underscored by its recognition in comprehensive lexical references [4] and in various narrative contexts where its dual significance enriches both character portrayal and thematic nuance [5], [6], [7].
  1. Maybe you can, but the end-result is that Wilbur Zilch slaughters Oscar Hossenpfeiffer.
    — from Highways in Hiding by George O. (George Oliver) Smith
  2. Prince Zilch read the number of the room upon a brass sign and went up.
    — from Prince Zilah — Complete by Jules Claretie
  3. They're privately held, so they don't have to tell anybody zilch.
    — from Syndrome by Thomas Hoover
  4. — N. zero, nothing; null, nul, naught, nought, void; cipher, goose egg; none, nobody, no one; nichts[Ger.], nixie*, nix*; zilch, zip, zippo
    — from Roget's Thesaurus by Peter Mark Roget
  5. Zilch perceived, through an open door, the reporters’ room, furnished with a long table covered with pens, ink, and pads of white paper.
    — from Prince Zilah — Complete by Jules Claretie
  6. He bowed to Zilch, and, going up to the secretary, he said, rapidly: “Well!
    — from Prince Zilah — Complete by Jules Claretie
  7. He bowed to Zilch, and, going up to the secretary, he said, rapidly: "Well! since Tourillon is away, I will report the Enghien races.
    — from Prince Zilah — Volume 3 by Jules Claretie

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