mika,

Konyok – little stallion, little horse

Taken from the wonderful Russian Fairy story Konyok Gorbunok – “The Little Humpbacked Horse.” It was made into one of the most beloved Russian movies.

It’s a variation on the story of the young prince who wins the hand of the beautiful princess. In this case, the prince is a clumsy fool, but he is lucky enough to have this homely, broken down little humpbacked horse with magic powers. The foolish prince gets himself into ridiculous predicaments and always ends up calling out “Oh, little humpbacked horse! Please help me!”
(If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember “Mr. Wizard. Same deal.)

This is not a political statement, it is a reflection of my perception of the situation at work. It always tickles Russians, who always get it.

It’s about equivalent to a reference to Dorothy or the Cowardly Lion …