Line 967
ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ ταρίχει τοὺς λόφους κραδαινέτω·
The verb κραδαινέτω (aorist imperative of κραδαινώ) is exceptionally rare in Attic comedy, appearing here in a unique metonymic sense. While the verb literally means 'to shake' or 'to toss' (often of a head or a weapon), the construction with τοὺς λόφους (the ridges/humps) refers to the specific action of a cook vigorously shaking a jar of salted fish (τάριχος) to settle the contents or distribute the brine. This usage exploits the double meaning of λόφος, which can refer to the 'hump' of a fish or the 'ridge' of a mountain, creating a comic image of the cook treating the fish with the vigor of a soldier shaking a weapon or a wrestler shaking his opponent. The phrase is a vivid, albeit obscure, culinary metaphor that would likely require explanation even for advanced readers unfamiliar with the specific technical vocabulary of the fishmonger's trade in Old Comedy.
Acharnians. Aristophanes. . 2026-09-08.