GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
- Algot Runeman
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
Which leads us to a new take on the old saying:
"A gentleman isn't gabby after he's recently been grabby."
"A gentleman isn't gabby after he's recently been grabby."
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
scimitar
/ˈsɪmɪtə/
noun
A short sword with a curved blade that broadens towards the point, used originally in Eastern countries.
Origin
Mid 16th century: from French cimeterre or Italian scimitarra, of unknown origin.
-=-=-=-=-
Sheriff Stillman wore a scimitar in a leg sheath instead of a hunting knife, unaware that "sheriff" was totally unrelated to "sharif" and any middle-eastern origins.
/ˈsɪmɪtə/
noun
A short sword with a curved blade that broadens towards the point, used originally in Eastern countries.
Origin
Mid 16th century: from French cimeterre or Italian scimitarra, of unknown origin.
-=-=-=-=-
Sheriff Stillman wore a scimitar in a leg sheath instead of a hunting knife, unaware that "sheriff" was totally unrelated to "sharif" and any middle-eastern origins.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
finnesko
/ˈfɪnəskəʊ/
noun
A boot of tanned reindeer skin with the hair on the outside.
Origin
Late 19th century: from Norwegian finnsko, from Finn (see Finn) + sko (see shoe).
-=-=-=-=-
Ferde donned his finneskos, opened the cabin door, stepped out into the bank of snow, and trudged to the wood pile. "Never go to sleep before you get firewood for the morning," he grumbled at the swirling snowflakes.
/ˈfɪnəskəʊ/
noun
A boot of tanned reindeer skin with the hair on the outside.
Origin
Late 19th century: from Norwegian finnsko, from Finn (see Finn) + sko (see shoe).
-=-=-=-=-
Ferde donned his finneskos, opened the cabin door, stepped out into the bank of snow, and trudged to the wood pile. "Never go to sleep before you get firewood for the morning," he grumbled at the swirling snowflakes.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
- Algot Runeman
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
aquifer
/ˈakwɪfə/
noun
A body of permeable rock which can contain or transmit groundwater.
Origin
Early 20th century: from Latin aqui- (from aqua ‘water’) + -fer ‘bearing’.
-=-=-=-=-
Allan's aquifer is full. Sally's is nearly so. Nestlé moves into the town next door and guess what happens. Well, well, well.
/ˈakwɪfə/
noun
A body of permeable rock which can contain or transmit groundwater.
Origin
Early 20th century: from Latin aqui- (from aqua ‘water’) + -fer ‘bearing’.
-=-=-=-=-
Allan's aquifer is full. Sally's is nearly so. Nestlé moves into the town next door and guess what happens. Well, well, well.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
retcon
/ˈrɛtkɒn/
noun
(in a film, television series, or other fictional work) a piece of new information that imposes a different interpretation on previously described events, typically used to facilitate a dramatic plot shift or account for an inconsistency.
verb
[with object]
Revise (an aspect of a fictional work) retrospectively, typically by introducing a piece of new information that imposes a different interpretation on previously described events.
Origin
1980s: abbreviation of retroactive continuity.
-=-=-=-=-
As a kid, I enjoyed going to the movie theater on Saturday mornings. There were cartoons before the feature, and a serial. The serial always ended in a cliffhanger. The main character was in big trouble. One time the car was racing toward a cliff and the episode ended with his car soaring into the canyon. Was this the end, our hero dead and the planet doomed?
Of course, thanks to creative scriptwriting with retcon, the next week's episode began by showing the hero jumping from the car just before it reached the edge.
Even as kids, we knew the story had to keep going. It was almost like the cartoons in which a cat, crushed under a falling rock, stood up and, after a few wobbling steps as a pancake-flat creature, popped into normal shape again and took off after the mouse.
/ˈrɛtkɒn/
noun
(in a film, television series, or other fictional work) a piece of new information that imposes a different interpretation on previously described events, typically used to facilitate a dramatic plot shift or account for an inconsistency.
verb
[with object]
Revise (an aspect of a fictional work) retrospectively, typically by introducing a piece of new information that imposes a different interpretation on previously described events.
Origin
1980s: abbreviation of retroactive continuity.
-=-=-=-=-
As a kid, I enjoyed going to the movie theater on Saturday mornings. There were cartoons before the feature, and a serial. The serial always ended in a cliffhanger. The main character was in big trouble. One time the car was racing toward a cliff and the episode ended with his car soaring into the canyon. Was this the end, our hero dead and the planet doomed?
Of course, thanks to creative scriptwriting with retcon, the next week's episode began by showing the hero jumping from the car just before it reached the edge.
Even as kids, we knew the story had to keep going. It was almost like the cartoons in which a cat, crushed under a falling rock, stood up and, after a few wobbling steps as a pancake-flat creature, popped into normal shape again and took off after the mouse.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
- E Pericoloso Sporgersi
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
You too?Algot Runeman wrote:retcon...
As a kid, I enjoyed going to the movie theater on Saturday mornings.
...
Even as kids, we knew the story had to keep going. It was almost like the cartoons in which a cat, crushed under a falling rock, stood up and, after a few wobbling steps as a pancake-flat creature, popped into normal shape again and took off after the mouse.
I remember a few slightly different retcons though, when the projectionist pranked his audience.
For example: the disheveled hero went off having a beer with the reinflated cat, while the crumpled car took off after the mouse.
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
jambalaya
/ˌdʒambəˈlʌɪə/
noun
mass noun
A Cajun dish of rice with shrimps, chicken, and vegetables.
Origin
Louisiana French, from Provençal jambalaia.
-=-=-=-=-
Joe's jambalaya joint always had a crowd and they always dripped sweat after eating, no matter how cool the evening breeze. Spicy!
[Festering Hate - ingredient of the day.]
/ˌdʒambəˈlʌɪə/
noun
mass noun
A Cajun dish of rice with shrimps, chicken, and vegetables.
Origin
Louisiana French, from Provençal jambalaia.
-=-=-=-=-
Joe's jambalaya joint always had a crowd and they always dripped sweat after eating, no matter how cool the evening breeze. Spicy!
[Festering Hate - ingredient of the day.]
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
- Algot Runeman
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
theodolite
/θɪˈɒdəlʌɪt/
noun
A surveying instrument with a rotating telescope for measuring horizontal and vertical angles.
Origin
Late 16th century (originally denoting an instrument for measuring horizontal angles): from modern Latin theodelitus, of unknown origin.
-=-=-=-=-
Ted tuned his theodolite atop a sturdy tripod, verified the plumb bob was centered on the benchmark and sighted to were Charlie held the target pole.
/θɪˈɒdəlʌɪt/
noun
A surveying instrument with a rotating telescope for measuring horizontal and vertical angles.
Origin
Late 16th century (originally denoting an instrument for measuring horizontal angles): from modern Latin theodelitus, of unknown origin.
-=-=-=-=-
Ted tuned his theodolite atop a sturdy tripod, verified the plumb bob was centered on the benchmark and sighted to were Charlie held the target pole.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
- E Pericoloso Sporgersi
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
May I assume that the theodolite is the version without sugar?Algot Runeman wrote:theodolite
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
edaphic
/ɪˈdafɪk/
adjective
Ecology
Of, produced by, or influenced by the soil.
Origin
Late 19th century: coined in German from Greek edaphos ‘floor’ + -ic.
-=-=-=-=-
Mushrooms are the visible "fruiting bodies" of a more widespread edaphic (soil-supported) network of relatively thin mycelia which are much larger in total than the visible mushrooms. Mushroom fungus depends on soil which is rich in decaying organic matter.
/ɪˈdafɪk/
adjective
Ecology
Of, produced by, or influenced by the soil.
Origin
Late 19th century: coined in German from Greek edaphos ‘floor’ + -ic.
-=-=-=-=-
Mushrooms are the visible "fruiting bodies" of a more widespread edaphic (soil-supported) network of relatively thin mycelia which are much larger in total than the visible mushrooms. Mushroom fungus depends on soil which is rich in decaying organic matter.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
- Algot Runeman
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
... half the alcohol, as well!May I assume that the theodolite is the version without sugar?
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
component
/kəmˈpəʊnənt/
noun
1 A part or element of a larger whole, especially a part of a machine or vehicle.
1.1 Each of two or more forces, velocities, or other vectors acting in different directions which are together equivalent to a given vector.
adjective
attributive - Constituting part of a larger whole; constituent.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from Latin component- ‘putting together’, from the verb componere, from com- ‘together’ + ponere ‘put’. Compare with compound.
-=-=-=-=-
Sometimes Joe felt like just a small component of a large machine.
/kəmˈpəʊnənt/
noun
1 A part or element of a larger whole, especially a part of a machine or vehicle.
1.1 Each of two or more forces, velocities, or other vectors acting in different directions which are together equivalent to a given vector.
adjective
attributive - Constituting part of a larger whole; constituent.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from Latin component- ‘putting together’, from the verb componere, from com- ‘together’ + ponere ‘put’. Compare with compound.
-=-=-=-=-
Sometimes Joe felt like just a small component of a large machine.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
Even though you and I are two components in a single system, our vectors often tend to be very divergent.Algot Runeman wrote:component
Spoiler: show
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
lectern
/ˈlɛktəːn//ˈlɛkt(ə)n/
noun
A tall stand with a sloping top to hold a book or notes, from which someone, typically a preacher or lecturer, can read while standing up.
Origin
Middle English: from Old French letrun, from medieval Latin lectrum, from legere ‘to read’.
Professor Davis dressed informally, but did use a lectern in his classes. He wandered away and then back, as if it were an anchor from which he could not stray too far.
/ˈlɛktəːn//ˈlɛkt(ə)n/
noun
A tall stand with a sloping top to hold a book or notes, from which someone, typically a preacher or lecturer, can read while standing up.
Origin
Middle English: from Old French letrun, from medieval Latin lectrum, from legere ‘to read’.
Professor Davis dressed informally, but did use a lectern in his classes. He wandered away and then back, as if it were an anchor from which he could not stray too far.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
- E Pericoloso Sporgersi
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
Mention of or just the sight of a lectern always reminds me of Commandant Lassard in the movie "Police Academy" (1984)Algot Runeman wrote:lectern
Spoiler: show
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
pourboire
/pʊəˈbwɑː/
noun
A gratuity; a tip.
Origin
French, from pour boire, literally ‘(money) for drinking’.
-=-=-=-=-
Charlie Postalwaite always enjoyed leaving a $100+ tip when he bought lunch, just passing through a town. He enjoyed thinking of it as a pourboire, no matter if he only had coffee, iced tea or a glass of water to drink.
/pʊəˈbwɑː/
noun
A gratuity; a tip.
Origin
French, from pour boire, literally ‘(money) for drinking’.
-=-=-=-=-
Charlie Postalwaite always enjoyed leaving a $100+ tip when he bought lunch, just passing through a town. He enjoyed thinking of it as a pourboire, no matter if he only had coffee, iced tea or a glass of water to drink.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
The Dutch equivalent of pourboire is similar, but in reverse order:Algot Runeman wrote:pourboire
drinkgeld, drink (drink) + geld (money)
Though Flemings rarely say drinkgeld, they usually say poorbwoar ...
Spoiler: show
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
terraform
/ˈtɛrəfɔːm/
verb
[with object]
(especially in science fiction) transform (a planet) so as to resemble the earth, especially so that it can support human life.
Origin
1940s: from Latin terra ‘earth’ + the verb form.
-=-=-=-=-=-
The concept of terraforming a planet, perhaps even our close neighbor, Mars, has been popular in science fiction. Real-life experience suggests we are more eager to make our own planet unsuitable for human life.
/ˈtɛrəfɔːm/
verb
[with object]
(especially in science fiction) transform (a planet) so as to resemble the earth, especially so that it can support human life.
Origin
1940s: from Latin terra ‘earth’ + the verb form.
-=-=-=-=-=-
The concept of terraforming a planet, perhaps even our close neighbor, Mars, has been popular in science fiction. Real-life experience suggests we are more eager to make our own planet unsuitable for human life.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
overwork
/əʊvəˈwəːk/
verb
[with object]often as adjective overworked
1Exhaust with too much work.
1.1 no object Work too hard.
1.2 Make excessive use of.
1.3 Use (a word or idea) too much and so make it weaker in meaning or effect.
noun
mass noun
Excessive work.
-=-=-=-=-
Every day Bob exults in the selection of a new word for the word of the day. "No word will ever be overworked," he gloats.
/əʊvəˈwəːk/
verb
[with object]often as adjective overworked
1Exhaust with too much work.
1.1 no object Work too hard.
1.2 Make excessive use of.
1.3 Use (a word or idea) too much and so make it weaker in meaning or effect.
noun
mass noun
Excessive work.
-=-=-=-=-
Every day Bob exults in the selection of a new word for the word of the day. "No word will ever be overworked," he gloats.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
chide
/tʃʌɪd/
verb
[with object]
Scold or rebuke.
Origin
Old English cīdan, of unknown origin.
-=-=-=-=-=-
It's very clear I was too bold.
It was not smart to say she's old.
At first she starts to pout,
But later comes to shout.
She rants and rails, impales
Me for all my epic fails.
I'd be OK if she'd chide me.
Instead she'll long-term ride me.
She's coming back.
Can you hide me?
/tʃʌɪd/
verb
[with object]
Scold or rebuke.
Origin
Old English cīdan, of unknown origin.
-=-=-=-=-=-
It's very clear I was too bold.
It was not smart to say she's old.
At first she starts to pout,
But later comes to shout.
She rants and rails, impales
Me for all my epic fails.
I'd be OK if she'd chide me.
Instead she'll long-term ride me.
She's coming back.
Can you hide me?
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
- Algot Runeman
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
mung2
(also munge)
/mʌn(d)ʒ/
verb
[with object] Computing
informal
Manipulate (data)
Origin
1960s: origin uncertain (frequently said to be an acronym from mash until no good).
-=-=-=-=-
New super server on the rack
Lots of data in the stack
Nightshift worker took the plunge
Launched the app to munge.
The sort began without a hitch
Then the power had a glitch
Tried the backup to restore
That data's gone for ever more.
A moral to the story please?
Wait to munge the data, jeez!
Until the manager's there.
Of the blame, he'll own his share.
(also munge)
/mʌn(d)ʒ/
verb
[with object] Computing
informal
Manipulate (data)
Origin
1960s: origin uncertain (frequently said to be an acronym from mash until no good).
-=-=-=-=-
New super server on the rack
Lots of data in the stack
Nightshift worker took the plunge
Launched the app to munge.
The sort began without a hitch
Then the power had a glitch
Tried the backup to restore
That data's gone for ever more.
A moral to the story please?
Wait to munge the data, jeez!
Until the manager's there.
Of the blame, he'll own his share.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
- Algot Runeman
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
cataphor
/ˈkɑtəfɔː//ˈkɑtəfə/
noun
Grammar
A word or phrase that refers to or stands for a later word or phrase (e.g. in when they saw Ruth, the men looked slightly abashed, they is used as a cataphor for the men).
Origin
1980s: back-formation from cataphora.
-=-=-=-
When she crossed the room, the cat ran quickly with a proudly raised tail. "She" is a cataphor for the cat on the floor.
/ˈkɑtəfɔː//ˈkɑtəfə/
noun
Grammar
A word or phrase that refers to or stands for a later word or phrase (e.g. in when they saw Ruth, the men looked slightly abashed, they is used as a cataphor for the men).
Origin
1980s: back-formation from cataphora.
-=-=-=-
When she crossed the room, the cat ran quickly with a proudly raised tail. "She" is a cataphor for the cat on the floor.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
One day when he hits us again with grammar, Algot will notice the cataphor turn around and bite him in a lower cheek.Algot Runeman wrote:cataphor
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
I never hit my grammer. She was a wonderful person.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)
chasse1
/ʃas/
noun
A liqueur drunk after coffee.
Origin
French, abbreviation of chasse-café, literally ‘chase-coffee’.
-=-=-=-=-
Jules did not stint on the alcohol. His routine included an apératif before dinner, good wine during, some strong coffee after, and capped with a chasse.
/ʃas/
noun
A liqueur drunk after coffee.
Origin
French, abbreviation of chasse-café, literally ‘chase-coffee’.
-=-=-=-=-
Jules did not stint on the alcohol. His routine included an apératif before dinner, good wine during, some strong coffee after, and capped with a chasse.
Words are a game. Sometimes I play alone, but I encourage YOU to play, too.