Page 1 of 1
torpid
Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 1:00 pm
by sardith
This quote is the reason for my query:
“Novels so often provide an anodyne and not an antidote, glide one into
torpid slumbers instead of rousing one with a burning brand.” ~Virginia Woolf, English author, essayist, publisher, and writer of short stories, (1882-1941)~
tor·pid (tôrpd)
adj.
1. Deprived of the power of motion or feeling; benumbed.
2. Dormant; hibernating.
3. Lethargic; apathetic
Then I had one last question: Does this word have anything to do with the word
torpedo, and if so, how can one so slow,
torpid, become one so fast,
torpedo?
Thanks,
Sardith
Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 2:26 pm
by Perry Lassiter
Good eye! They both come from the same root with etymology including a reference to the electric ray fish which stings and thus renders torpid. Torpedo first used in RRs to refer to a charge placed on the tracks to alert trains to an approaching problem. I would guess the sting of the underwater ray affected its use as the underwater bomb along with the rigidity of the cigar shaped tube.
torpid
Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 11:03 pm
by sardith
Why thank you.
I have been told that my eyes are one of my best features.
I know. I couldn't resist...ugh.
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 12:03 am
by Slava
I do believe this means we need more emoticons. Where do we go to find a flirty, winky smile?
I also wouldn't minded having a smiling evil face for one of my recent posts.
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 8:16 am
by Audiendus
I also wouldn't minded having a smiling evil face for one of my recent posts.
You mean like this?
(Twisted Evil emoticon)
torpid
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 10:10 am
by sardith
Audiendus,
Can you find an emoticon for the emotional outburst of frustration most commonly expressed by the word: 'Arghh'!
That's the one I wish was available many times.
Sardith :^/
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 11:34 am
by Audiendus
Can you find an emoticon for the emotional outburst of frustration most commonly expressed by the word: 'Arghh'!
Well, I suppose you could use the 'Mad' emoticon and do something like this:
<<< >>>
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 4:17 pm
by Slava
I also wouldn't minded having a smiling evil face for one of my recent posts.
You mean like this?
(Twisted Evil emoticon)
I saw that one, but it's not smiling enough.
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 5:27 pm
by Perry Lassiter
Meanwhile, Sardith of Fresno, I met a couple visiting from Bakersfield today, and for a couple of years we lived between the two in Tulare, while I worked out of Visalia. Small world, getting smaller. We may all need to learn a universal language. Catholic church was smart getting all priest to speak Latin.
torpid
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 11:12 pm
by sardith
Thanks, Audiendus, but I'm probably asking for the moon, since my
'Arghh' is not so much an angry frustration, but one where I might follow up the 'Arghh', with a sigh and a,
"Typical," if that sounds familiar to anyone else.
Perry,
Yes, very small world! Hope you enjoyed your visit.
Sardith