Page 1 of 1

Pulchritude

Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 9:57 pm
by saparris
I'd like to know how such an ugly word ended up meaning "beauty."

Re: Pulchritude

Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 10:58 pm
by gailr
When first encountering this word, I mentally pronounced it "pulch-rih′-tude" and thought it was a snooty, sarcastic insult. When I learned the correct pronunciation and meaning years later, I was surprised! :wink:

Also surprised today to see that etymonline has no suggestions...

Re: Pulchritude

Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 11:17 pm
by Slava
Though the text didn't change much between them, the Good Doctor has posted this one twice:

2007: http://www.alphadictionary.com/bb/viewt ... f=1&t=2478
2012: http://www.alphadictionary.com/bb/viewt ... f=1&t=5937

Interestingly, I don't seem to have come across this word or its family used regarding males. Any thoughts? :?:

What about other not-so-euphonious words for things of beauty? Take callipygian, for example. Is that such a great sounding word? But, I don't think anyone has anything against it. Or at least I haven't heard any rebuttals.

Re: Pulchritude

Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 11:38 pm
by saparris
Oops!

Missed the 2012 entry. In 2007, I was too young to read.

Re: Pulchritude

Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2013 12:54 am
by Perry Lassiter
Latin 1: Ubi eat puella pulchra. Where is the pretty girl?

Re: Pulchritude

Posted: Sun Sep 29, 2013 12:21 am
by Philip Hudson
I like the word pulchritude. It does not grate on my ears. I have always thought it sounded a little naughty.