Search found 8100 matches

by Slava
Mon Apr 01, 2024 5:08 pm
Forum: Res Diversae
Topic: In case you’re not familiar with this . . . .
Replies: 1
Views: 35

Re: In case you’re not familiar with this . . . .

Here's a companion piece on the History of X, at the Smithsonian magazine.
by Slava
Sun Mar 31, 2024 7:34 am
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Bulge
Replies: 2
Views: 4356

Re: Bulge

Though the bourgeois do tend to be possessed of generous bellies and budgets, it appears their word is not related. See here and here . I was surprised, as I was led to thinking they might be by the dismissive term for a bourgeois; bougie. Come to find out bougie is not only that, but also a candle ...
by Slava
Sun Mar 31, 2024 6:11 am
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Beck
Replies: 4
Views: 2532

Re: Beck

Post cards have always cheaper than envelopes, but one-centers may still be old enough to be worth something. You should look them up. Or, just add the difference to make today's cost and you can use them.
by Slava
Sat Mar 30, 2024 8:01 pm
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Easter
Replies: 1
Views: 39

Re: Easter

Of course, using a different calendar as they do, the Orthodox Easter won't be until May 5 this year. 35 days apart! I gather it's the most they can be.
by Slava
Sat Mar 30, 2024 7:59 pm
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Pesach
Replies: 1
Views: 2761

Re: Pesach

It may be Easter here in the US of A tomorrow, but it's not Pesach. That's a different lunar calendar, and won't be coming around until April 22-30 this year.
by Slava
Sat Mar 30, 2024 10:16 am
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Malaise
Replies: 1
Views: 2724

Re: Malaise

• malaise • Iacere came from the PIE word ye - "to throw", found outside Latin only in Hittite ijami "I make". (Potters "throw" pots on a spinning wheel in making them.) I'm wondering if this is still true. There is a new word out there making the rounds, especially in...
by Slava
Fri Mar 29, 2024 3:06 pm
Forum: Good Word Suggestions
Topic: Exodic
Replies: 1
Views: 46

Re: Exodic

Every other source I found on the internot gives the second meaning, and in the same words in the same order. Everyone copying everyone else? However, a contemporary non-medical use might be thus: I'm glad I already live in the path of totality for the eclipse. The exodic routes from my city will li...
by Slava
Fri Mar 29, 2024 4:51 am
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Tetchy
Replies: 1
Views: 3005

Re: Tetchy

Here's an idea for a niche dictionary: words that don't have clear origins. Words that seem to pop up out of nothing and nowhere, but hang in there and become part of the language.
by Slava
Fri Mar 29, 2024 4:36 am
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Bête noire
Replies: 1
Views: 2423

Re: Bête noire

A rarity, a two-word Good Word. I wonder if, in time, English will squish them together and make one word out of them. :?:
by Slava
Thu Mar 28, 2024 6:14 am
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Incipient
Replies: 2
Views: 2711

Re: Incipient

If we do change the 'c' to an 's', and the middle 'i' to an 'a', we can create 'insapient'. It's the 'non' meaning of in-, not the 'in', but I like it. We may be scientifically called homo sapiens , but so often we act insapiently. ( Sapient on the Agora.) It may even actually have been a word once ...
by Slava
Wed Mar 27, 2024 4:02 pm
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Furbish
Replies: 1
Views: 2622

Re: Furbish

I'm going to have to keep the re-. I keep trying to make this word mean furnish. :shock:
by Slava
Wed Mar 27, 2024 3:27 pm
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Relevant
Replies: 3
Views: 121

Re: Relevant

Not that it's relevant, but revelant made me think of another word and it got me revved up. Revenant is a real word, even if my spell-check doesn't accept it yet. The Dr.'s treated it twice, here and here.
by Slava
Tue Mar 26, 2024 6:59 am
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Dapper
Replies: 1
Views: 2733

Re: Dapper

I can see why the roots of this word could mean 'fat' or 'thick'. It is only in the last few generations that being slim and trim were considered signs of health and wealth. So, not that long ago, to be dapper would have required being well-fed and smooth.
by Slava
Tue Mar 26, 2024 6:50 am
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Encomium
Replies: 1
Views: 2545

Re: Encomium

Further reference: panegyric & eulogy. Laud and its relatives have never been to the Dr.'s office. Neither has applaud, for that matter. Curiously, they aren't related.
by Slava
Tue Mar 26, 2024 6:46 am
Forum: Good Word Discussion
Topic: Panegyric
Replies: 1
Views: 2952

Re: Panegyric

For related words, visit encomium and eulogy.

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