Pulchritude

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saparris
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Pulchritude

Postby saparris » Wed Sep 25, 2013 9:57 pm

I'd like to know how such an ugly word ended up meaning "beauty."
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gailr
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Re: Pulchritude

Postby gailr » Wed Sep 25, 2013 10:58 pm

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...

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Slava
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Re: Pulchritude

Postby Slava » Wed Sep 25, 2013 11:17 pm

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.
Last edited by Slava on Wed Sep 25, 2013 11:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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saparris
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Re: Pulchritude

Postby saparris » Wed Sep 25, 2013 11:38 pm

Oops!

Missed the 2012 entry. In 2007, I was too young to read.
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Perry Lassiter
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Re: Pulchritude

Postby Perry Lassiter » Thu Sep 26, 2013 12:54 am

Latin 1: Ubi eat puella pulchra. Where is the pretty girl?
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Philip Hudson
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Re: Pulchritude

Postby Philip Hudson » Sun Sep 29, 2013 12:21 am

I like the word pulchritude. It does not grate on my ears. I have always thought it sounded a little naughty.
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