I had never contemplated the before-and-after components of this word. And that is why this site is such a joy - well, one of the reasons anyway. Interesting that the school prefect system in the UK applies at some schools but they are not called prefects; rather praeposters. And with a different et...

I guess that ancient pronunciation accounts for some of them, but probably poetic licence accounts for others.

It appears that a happenstance is not necessarily a happy one. Serendipitous, sure, but not necessarily. Just any coincidence. I must say though, it is difficult to imagine it used for an unfortunate happening. Perhaps the association of happy and happening is what makes it unlikely. Interesting tho...

And Damoge, can I sympathise with your short term memory issues? I will also try to remember George's story for as long as I can, but if last night's effort is anything to judge by, there is little hope. I am currently into Ernest Hemingway; last night we watched a fascinating show about the man. A ...

Philip, I do hope you didn't have to paint 7K's worth of pickets all by yourself? At school, I recall being taught that if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing well, and that if it was worth doing well it should be done by yourself. It was just one of the many loads of clap-trap that we were ta...

But, George, Pierre Trudeau was a Liberal, not a Conservative, so presumably regarded as left of Centre himself. Was the subject of your delightful anecdote actually extreme left? And Trudeau's background was with the New Democratic Party which was presumably left of Liberal (insofar as simplificati...

Yes, Leprosy was a pretty tough gig in those days.

Love your Biblical style, Philip. "The Pecos and Devil, rivers of my youth". Abana and Pharpa, rivers of Damascus. I haven't checked to see how they are spelt, but that's how I used to say them. One of my favourite stories because it is so beautifully told. And with the prophet's servant, ...

Nice story, Gene. I must say I always assumed that the word was created in the first world war when the poor devils in the trenches could hear a particular kind of missile on its way toward them. If they could hear it humming, it indicated that it would land close, and so evasive action was required...

No chance of disparagement Philip. Although I wince for the pain of being riveted to your seat. Glued is surely less uncomfortable?

I fear I may have reported this before in another word discussion, but my father always referred to himself as ambi-sinistrous: equally inept with either hand.

Known in England only as scallywag, I think - certainly in my day. Audiendus and others in UK may have a more modern view?

And in Australia, virtually unknown and unused in either form.

Pity really, it has a certain je ne sais quoi.

And a hound a horror?

An oldie but a goodie, Philip. Fun to be reminded.

Most of our souvenirs acquired on holidays are sitting on mantlepieces here. They are what my Mother always referred to, rather disparagingly, as dust-traps.

Gene, I wonder if this 'leaving quickly' usage is really just a shortening (and softening) of buggering off? Love your use of remuda, Philip. Having lived all my life in cities, of course I had to look it up. What a sheltered life I have led. And There are a mort of names... This 'mort' too is a new...