Okay, bear with me on this one:
Xanth- Piers Anthony�s wonderful world that is filled with puns
I- Pronoun for the 1st person (the person speaking)
PP- per procurationem (used when signing a letter on someone else�s behalf)
e- Euler �s number (approx. 2.711828) the basis of a natural logarithm that is used for exponential functions (e.g. calculating accrued interest over a period of time)
Based on this, a Xanthippe is a public agent (civil servant) in Xanth that, when given the opportunity to sign something in proxy for his/her supervisor, begins to do this more and more often (exponentially) until he/she ultimately takes-over all of the boss�s document signing and begins to take over other people�s document signing in a never-ending, ever-escalating process that is one of many causes of bureaucracy in government offices.
When asked where they work and what their position is these peopel usually answer: "Xanthippe"
Cheers,
Douglas