Summary: How is carillon related to clarion? Do these words make beautiful music together? I guess that depends on who's listening ...
Last night, lying in bed and reading, I came across a word that I pretty well figured out by context, but still wanted to look up, because it was new to me. Not only that, it's a word I would categorize as "pretty." After learning the exact meaning, "pretty" really does it justice, I think.
Carillon (KAYR - eh - LON) - (n.) a set of fixed, chromatically tuned bells sounded by hammers that are controlled from a keyboard; also an electronic instrument that imitates the carillon or a musical composition created for the carillon. The etymology of the word carillon is straightforward, but rich—perhaps a little like the instrument, itself.
Entering English in 1775 from the French (same word, different pronunciation [don't forget to click the link by the word above to hear how it sounds in English today]), it derives from the Old French carignon, meaning "set of four bells." This traces to the Latin for "set of four," quaternionem, which derives from quarter, also Latin and meaning "four times." Carillon's base origin traces back five and a half thousand years—well before such an instrument was ever even in idea form, likely—to the Proto-Indo-European word for four, kwetwer. (Now, that's one I'd categorize as a "funny" word! Say it as fast as you can, and it sounds like a sneeze.)
Researching this all for today's blog post, I wondered if this WOW! Word were any relation to clarion. The answer is yes—and no: While the two don't share any similar root words, they do follow the same path to the English language, from Latin to Old French to French, then English. Look up the definition, and you'll find even more they share in common. Then check out the history of the carillon, too.
As a sidebar, the book I was reading used this lovely word in a beautiful metaphor. The exact quote is: "While that first gloss had not set off any bells for Alan, Evan-Wentz's translation set off a carillon." [From Destructive Emotions: How Can We Overcome Them? (A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama, narrated by Daniel Goldeman, author of Emotional Intelligence)] ... Don't you just think that sentence has a nice ring to it?
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2011
Showing posts with label English language. Show all posts
Showing posts with label English language. Show all posts
Oct 10, 2011
Jun 27, 2011
WORD OF THE WEEK: Superlative
Summary: You've wanted the longest time for the return of the WOW. Well, wait no more, my biggest fan. This post—and its special word, superlative—is for you!
After posting relatively recently about the BEST WORD IN THE WORLD (hyperbole, of course), I've found myself drawn to some of its cousins—like today's featured word, superlative.
Superlative (soo - PUHR - la - TIV) - (adj.) excessive; supreme; surpassing; high quality; exaggerated. Most commonly, it refers to other words that are used to describe something with these qualities. You could say that it falls just shy of hyperbole.
First used in English in the 1300s, its Middle English spelling was superlatif. Its heritage comes most immediately from the Anglo-French word superlativus, which derives from the Latin superlatus, meaning to carry over high. Merriam-Webster.com—my favorite online dictionary, and the site I owe thanks to for regular pronunciation links like the one above—cites the following examples of superlatives: nicest, worst, and most interesting.
And did I mention: If you've missed the WOW Word of the Week posts as much as I have over the last couple of weeks, then you're the absolute coolest person I know? Those superlatives aren't just hyperbole, either.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2011
After posting relatively recently about the BEST WORD IN THE WORLD (hyperbole, of course), I've found myself drawn to some of its cousins—like today's featured word, superlative.
Superlative (soo - PUHR - la - TIV) - (adj.) excessive; supreme; surpassing; high quality; exaggerated. Most commonly, it refers to other words that are used to describe something with these qualities. You could say that it falls just shy of hyperbole.
First used in English in the 1300s, its Middle English spelling was superlatif. Its heritage comes most immediately from the Anglo-French word superlativus, which derives from the Latin superlatus, meaning to carry over high. Merriam-Webster.com—my favorite online dictionary, and the site I owe thanks to for regular pronunciation links like the one above—cites the following examples of superlatives: nicest, worst, and most interesting.
And did I mention: If you've missed the WOW Word of the Week posts as much as I have over the last couple of weeks, then you're the absolute coolest person I know? Those superlatives aren't just hyperbole, either.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2011
May 23, 2011
WORD OF THE WEEK: Epaulet
Summary: Whether you've fought for freedom or just like military chic, you may have wondered why so many of your clothes have these little attachments on the shoulders .... Today's post has links to answers—and a lesson on just what to call those doo-hickeys and thing-a-ma-bobs.
You know those cool shoulder straps that look so good on military clothes? Whether it's fashion or function, what in the heck do you call them? The answer is epaulets. But can you pronounce that word? If you're like me, then the answer is no. So, click the pronunciation link below to learn!
(Note: Every week, I include a link like this to the WOW, or Word of the Week. The code that follows the link and the dash—and is also always listed in parentheses—stands for adjective, verb or in this case, noun.)
Epaulet (EP - uh - LET) - (n.) something that ornaments or protects the shoulder, often as a fringed pad or a loop that's buttoned or sewn.
The word is French, also spelled epaulette, a diminutive version of the word epaulé for shoulder. It was brought into English in the very late 1700s and is actually related to the word spatula, which once simply defined a flat piece of wood. (Originally, most militaries' shoulder-protecting epaulets were often made of wood.) Because of this relationship, epaulet is a many-generational descendant of the Greek word spathe, meaning a broad, flat sword. What appropriate battle roots!
Want to learn more about the actual item, itself, than just the word history? Check out these lengths for images (showing, among other things, that epaulets have migrated off the shoulders in contemporary civilian fashion) and multi-national military uniform history:
Google images
Wiki history
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2011
You know those cool shoulder straps that look so good on military clothes? Whether it's fashion or function, what in the heck do you call them? The answer is epaulets. But can you pronounce that word? If you're like me, then the answer is no. So, click the pronunciation link below to learn!
(Note: Every week, I include a link like this to the WOW, or Word of the Week. The code that follows the link and the dash—and is also always listed in parentheses—stands for adjective, verb or in this case, noun.)
Epaulet (EP - uh - LET) - (n.) something that ornaments or protects the shoulder, often as a fringed pad or a loop that's buttoned or sewn.
The word is French, also spelled epaulette, a diminutive version of the word epaulé for shoulder. It was brought into English in the very late 1700s and is actually related to the word spatula, which once simply defined a flat piece of wood. (Originally, most militaries' shoulder-protecting epaulets were often made of wood.) Because of this relationship, epaulet is a many-generational descendant of the Greek word spathe, meaning a broad, flat sword. What appropriate battle roots!
Want to learn more about the actual item, itself, than just the word history? Check out these lengths for images (showing, among other things, that epaulets have migrated off the shoulders in contemporary civilian fashion) and multi-national military uniform history:
Google images
Wiki history
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2011
May 9, 2011
WORD OF THE WEEK: Venal
Summary: Short but sweet, today's post gives you the low-down on a dirty practice defined by this week's word.
This week's WOW is also today's (Monday's) Word of the Day at Merriam-Webster.com: venal.
Venal (VEE - nuhl) - (adj.) capable of being bought, bribed or otherwise corrupted; also associated with or characterized by bribery. The word comes from the Latin venum, which "simply refer(s) to something sold or for sale" (M-W.com). Perhaps from the common occurrences of cheating, bribing and other questionable merchant's practices, the word—entered into English in the 1600s with the simpler definition of bargaining or haggling—began to take on a slightly more sinister definition. Vend has the same root word heritage, but has kept its straightforward meaning.
Click here to read about the similar-sounding but unrelated word venial, along with even more about this week's word.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2011
This week's WOW is also today's (Monday's) Word of the Day at Merriam-Webster.com: venal.
Venal (VEE - nuhl) - (adj.) capable of being bought, bribed or otherwise corrupted; also associated with or characterized by bribery. The word comes from the Latin venum, which "simply refer(s) to something sold or for sale" (M-W.com). Perhaps from the common occurrences of cheating, bribing and other questionable merchant's practices, the word—entered into English in the 1600s with the simpler definition of bargaining or haggling—began to take on a slightly more sinister definition. Vend has the same root word heritage, but has kept its straightforward meaning.
Click here to read about the similar-sounding but unrelated word venial, along with even more about this week's word.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2011
May 3, 2011
WORD OF THE WEEK: Hyperbole
Summary: High drama aside, today's word comes not from your suggestions (though they're always welcome), but from a word I heard in passing: hyperbole ...
This week, I had no less than three people comment to me, "Why haven't you blogged about our word yet?" Then I needed to be reminded just which word each one was talking about.
As I go throughout my regular day, it's second nature for me to hold conversations about interesting words or turns of phrase that catch my ear (or eye in print)—and just as common for me to mention off-handedly to whomever is near, "This will make a really good WOW word for my blog." It turns out, you guys are paying attention!
When I sit down to write, however, I'm subject to the usual lapses of memory that many of us humans are prone to, and I tend to pull out the handiest word I can think of (often the most recent word discussed).
Today is no different: All three of you, friends, are going to have to wait at least another week, as I blog today about a word that caught my ear in passing: hyperbole.
Hyperbole (HY - PER - bow - lee) - (n.) an extravagant exaggeration, as in "I ran to the moon and back to make her happy" or the commonly spoken, "I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse." From the Greek words hyper (for beyond) and ballein (meaning to throw), hyperbole is actually a conjugation of this compound word that was passed down into Latin and English, with its first recorded English usage in the 1520s. The word itself is a bit hyperbolic, since the Greek word bole literally means "a throwing or casting; the stroke of a missile, bolt or beam."
But don't worry: I'll get around to the other words you're longing to read about ... probably sometime in the next century or two.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2011
This week, I had no less than three people comment to me, "Why haven't you blogged about our word yet?" Then I needed to be reminded just which word each one was talking about.
As I go throughout my regular day, it's second nature for me to hold conversations about interesting words or turns of phrase that catch my ear (or eye in print)—and just as common for me to mention off-handedly to whomever is near, "This will make a really good WOW word for my blog." It turns out, you guys are paying attention!
When I sit down to write, however, I'm subject to the usual lapses of memory that many of us humans are prone to, and I tend to pull out the handiest word I can think of (often the most recent word discussed).
Today is no different: All three of you, friends, are going to have to wait at least another week, as I blog today about a word that caught my ear in passing: hyperbole.
Hyperbole (HY - PER - bow - lee) - (n.) an extravagant exaggeration, as in "I ran to the moon and back to make her happy" or the commonly spoken, "I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse." From the Greek words hyper (for beyond) and ballein (meaning to throw), hyperbole is actually a conjugation of this compound word that was passed down into Latin and English, with its first recorded English usage in the 1520s. The word itself is a bit hyperbolic, since the Greek word bole literally means "a throwing or casting; the stroke of a missile, bolt or beam."
But don't worry: I'll get around to the other words you're longing to read about ... probably sometime in the next century or two.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2011
Apr 11, 2011
WORD OF THE WEEK: Oporopolist
Summary: I'm a strong advocate of adoption. That goes for words, too! Today, I adopted a word of my very own: oporopolist. What can you tell me about my new little bundle?
Today is a special day, for today I am the proud new mama of a very special word. That's right: I just adopted a word from SaveTheWords.org—the site that asks you to help keep old words, words that have lost their space in the dictionary, within circulation in the English language. And just like when I adopted my very own Cabbage Patch Doll in 1982, I now have the opportunity to sport a t-shirt announcing my new ownership.
But I also get to do so much more.
With Amy Patsy (the CP, of course—who was, to my dismay, already named when we met), I got to braid her hair and unbraid her hair and put it up in a pony tail and then take it down and re-braid it ... and of course, to keep smelling and re-smelling her eternally powder fresh face. But with oporopolist, my options are immensely greater.
For example, I can share oporopolist with you, and you can take her home and use her (or him, I guess) with your own group of friends even while I use her with new people I meet! Ah, if only that had been the case with Amy Patsy. My sisters and I could have avoided so many childhood arguments. ("Don't unbraid Amy Patsy's hair! You make her pony tails lopsided! I'll get you back: Now she's going to wear YOUR doll's dress!" Etc.) I'm sure my mother would have much rather sprung for the t-shirt for oporopolist (a lot less expensive than custom-made cheerleading costumes for our CPs) just for a little peace in the house. Although, she may have eventually tired of hearing her 9-year-old say things like, "Are we going to the farmer's market this weekend? I can't wait to get some ripe watermelon from the oporopolist's stand." Then again, she may have thought it was adorable.
Oporopolist - (n.) A fruit-seller. Unfortunately, because this word has been replaced in the dictionary (by the word fruitier, possibly, or fruiterer even), I cannot share with you the pronunciation or etymology at this time. But if you find it in your out-dated dictionary, please share it with me!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Today is a special day, for today I am the proud new mama of a very special word. That's right: I just adopted a word from SaveTheWords.org—the site that asks you to help keep old words, words that have lost their space in the dictionary, within circulation in the English language. And just like when I adopted my very own Cabbage Patch Doll in 1982, I now have the opportunity to sport a t-shirt announcing my new ownership.
But I also get to do so much more.
With Amy Patsy (the CP, of course—who was, to my dismay, already named when we met), I got to braid her hair and unbraid her hair and put it up in a pony tail and then take it down and re-braid it ... and of course, to keep smelling and re-smelling her eternally powder fresh face. But with oporopolist, my options are immensely greater.
For example, I can share oporopolist with you, and you can take her home and use her (or him, I guess) with your own group of friends even while I use her with new people I meet! Ah, if only that had been the case with Amy Patsy. My sisters and I could have avoided so many childhood arguments. ("Don't unbraid Amy Patsy's hair! You make her pony tails lopsided! I'll get you back: Now she's going to wear YOUR doll's dress!" Etc.) I'm sure my mother would have much rather sprung for the t-shirt for oporopolist (a lot less expensive than custom-made cheerleading costumes for our CPs) just for a little peace in the house. Although, she may have eventually tired of hearing her 9-year-old say things like, "Are we going to the farmer's market this weekend? I can't wait to get some ripe watermelon from the oporopolist's stand." Then again, she may have thought it was adorable.
Oporopolist - (n.) A fruit-seller. Unfortunately, because this word has been replaced in the dictionary (by the word fruitier, possibly, or fruiterer even), I cannot share with you the pronunciation or etymology at this time. But if you find it in your out-dated dictionary, please share it with me!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Mar 21, 2011
WORD OF THE WEEK: E.G. vs. I.E.
Summary: Two Latin abbreviations (i.e. and e.g.) are the subject of today's word study post. Do you know the right time to use which one?
This morning, in a meeting with my wonderful assistant Kim Hall (who just happens to have her own online mall), she mentioned she recently learned the proper usage between the abbreviations i.e. and e.g. My first thought was, "You mean, there's a difference?" So much for the professional editor in me.
Well, at least I knew right where to turn: Grammar Girl. The first thing this online editing guru and fellow blogger shares in her post on the subject is the actual Latin terms these abbreviations stand for—and that's where I realized I'd gone wrong. Somewhere along the way, a well-meaning English teacher had taught me that i.e. stood for "in example." But that just isn't true. Here's what is true:
I.e. = id est, or that is (as in, "that is to say" or "what I mean to say is")
E.g. = exempli gratia, or "for example"
And all this time, I thought they were interchangeable!
Here are some examples of proper usage:
1. Our brains are hard-wired, i.e., connected by dendrites and synapses, to retain information in very specific ways.
2. Because of our individuality, however, certain brain challenges can change the way we learn and store info—e.g., attention deficit disorders, autism, dyslexia, and mood disorders.
3. As a Communications Coach, I teach my clients to identify the challenges they face (e.g., nervousness or anxiety, shyness or intimidation, even innate excitement) in thinking and speaking clearly.
4. Correcting these challenges is easy: We simply start by identifying what happens in the body—i.e., answering the question, "What does your body feel like when you have a shy moment?"—and then correlate that to emotions and thoughts.
5. Ultimately, changing the thoughts you have in those moments (i.e., turning negative, secret thoughts into intentional, positive ones) can help you short-circuit the vicious cycle your body and brain have experienced in the past; with practice, I can help you achieve what my other clients have achieved: peace of mind and body, and the ability to think and speak clearly.
One of Grammar Girl's many commenters to her post stated, "I have been able to remember i.e. and e.g. by: i.e. - in essence and e.g. - example given." This is a great trick! ... Maybe my English teacher actually shared these mock abbreviations, and my mind somehow melded the two?
P.S. - If you or someone you know would like to experience the Communication Coaching process first-hand, contact me directly for rates and other info at kealah@kikiproductionsinc.com.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
This morning, in a meeting with my wonderful assistant Kim Hall (who just happens to have her own online mall), she mentioned she recently learned the proper usage between the abbreviations i.e. and e.g. My first thought was, "You mean, there's a difference?" So much for the professional editor in me.
Well, at least I knew right where to turn: Grammar Girl. The first thing this online editing guru and fellow blogger shares in her post on the subject is the actual Latin terms these abbreviations stand for—and that's where I realized I'd gone wrong. Somewhere along the way, a well-meaning English teacher had taught me that i.e. stood for "in example." But that just isn't true. Here's what is true:
I.e. = id est, or that is (as in, "that is to say" or "what I mean to say is")
E.g. = exempli gratia, or "for example"
And all this time, I thought they were interchangeable!
Here are some examples of proper usage:
1. Our brains are hard-wired, i.e., connected by dendrites and synapses, to retain information in very specific ways.
2. Because of our individuality, however, certain brain challenges can change the way we learn and store info—e.g., attention deficit disorders, autism, dyslexia, and mood disorders.
3. As a Communications Coach, I teach my clients to identify the challenges they face (e.g., nervousness or anxiety, shyness or intimidation, even innate excitement) in thinking and speaking clearly.
4. Correcting these challenges is easy: We simply start by identifying what happens in the body—i.e., answering the question, "What does your body feel like when you have a shy moment?"—and then correlate that to emotions and thoughts.
5. Ultimately, changing the thoughts you have in those moments (i.e., turning negative, secret thoughts into intentional, positive ones) can help you short-circuit the vicious cycle your body and brain have experienced in the past; with practice, I can help you achieve what my other clients have achieved: peace of mind and body, and the ability to think and speak clearly.
One of Grammar Girl's many commenters to her post stated, "I have been able to remember i.e. and e.g. by: i.e. - in essence and e.g. - example given." This is a great trick! ... Maybe my English teacher actually shared these mock abbreviations, and my mind somehow melded the two?
P.S. - If you or someone you know would like to experience the Communication Coaching process first-hand, contact me directly for rates and other info at kealah@kikiproductionsinc.com.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Mar 4, 2011
What's in a Rhyme? Cockney Slang
Summary: I've got British slang on the brains—or should I say, "on me down" for "down the drains"? These rhyming schemes are new to me. Have you heard with your ears or seen with your minces some of these fantastic phrases? Let's explore them together ...
This week's WOW got me interested in a British phenomenon that's always piqued my curiosity: rhyming slang. Ever since my husband brought home some gems from a British co-worker (his favorite: "It's all gone Pete"), the two of us have been on the trail of this highly amusing word play from abroad. When I mentioned it to my friend Bob, however, he had never heard of it, despite the occasional language barrier between him and his Londoner love interest.
Turns out, rhyming schemes are colloquialisms, too. They're part of the much-mocked Cockney accent, inbred in those from the East End of London—although it's a concept that's spread throughout the suburbs, too. (Check out this article from Wikipedia for more insight.)
So, what are Cockney rhyming slang words and phrases? As taken from the fabulously fun website CockneyRhymingSlang.co.uk, they're the substitution of words and phrases that rhyme with the ones you intend to use. For example, "It's all gone Pete" means, "It's all gone wrong." What's that you say? Pete doesn't rhyme with wrong? Ah, but here's where it gets fun/complicated/weird (take your pick): Pete Tong is a BBC 1 radio DJ who spins club-like sets and is wildly popular in London. Since Tong rhymes with wrong, and his name is easily recognizable as a household phrase, the rhyming scheme here is "Pete Tong - wrong."
Still don't get it? How about this list of body parts, also from CockneyRhymingSlang.co.uk:
FEET - rhymes with "plates of meat" - Cockney phrase = "Move your plates, mate"
LEGS - rhymes with "Scotch eggs" (a popular breaded meat-and-egg dish) - Cockney phrase = "Get up on your Scotches"
EYES - rhymes with mince pies (also a food dish) - Cockney phrase = "Her blinkin' minces"
In other words, you really have to be in the know to get this hipster slang. ("Hovis" is slang for "dead," since Hovis is a popular whole wheat bread brand, and "brown bread" rhymes with "dead.") ... Or you can check out the site and teach yourself some fun phrases—plus contribute your own and rate the ones you've heard as authentic or "Mockney."
By the way, how many rhymes can you think of for "mate," the common British word for friend? And can you brainstorm your list without looking for clues first?
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
This week's WOW got me interested in a British phenomenon that's always piqued my curiosity: rhyming slang. Ever since my husband brought home some gems from a British co-worker (his favorite: "It's all gone Pete"), the two of us have been on the trail of this highly amusing word play from abroad. When I mentioned it to my friend Bob, however, he had never heard of it, despite the occasional language barrier between him and his Londoner love interest.
Turns out, rhyming schemes are colloquialisms, too. They're part of the much-mocked Cockney accent, inbred in those from the East End of London—although it's a concept that's spread throughout the suburbs, too. (Check out this article from Wikipedia for more insight.)
So, what are Cockney rhyming slang words and phrases? As taken from the fabulously fun website CockneyRhymingSlang.co.uk, they're the substitution of words and phrases that rhyme with the ones you intend to use. For example, "It's all gone Pete" means, "It's all gone wrong." What's that you say? Pete doesn't rhyme with wrong? Ah, but here's where it gets fun/complicated/weird (take your pick): Pete Tong is a BBC 1 radio DJ who spins club-like sets and is wildly popular in London. Since Tong rhymes with wrong, and his name is easily recognizable as a household phrase, the rhyming scheme here is "Pete Tong - wrong."
Still don't get it? How about this list of body parts, also from CockneyRhymingSlang.co.uk:
FEET - rhymes with "plates of meat" - Cockney phrase = "Move your plates, mate"
LEGS - rhymes with "Scotch eggs" (a popular breaded meat-and-egg dish) - Cockney phrase = "Get up on your Scotches"
EYES - rhymes with mince pies (also a food dish) - Cockney phrase = "Her blinkin' minces"
In other words, you really have to be in the know to get this hipster slang. ("Hovis" is slang for "dead," since Hovis is a popular whole wheat bread brand, and "brown bread" rhymes with "dead.") ... Or you can check out the site and teach yourself some fun phrases—plus contribute your own and rate the ones you've heard as authentic or "Mockney."
By the way, how many rhymes can you think of for "mate," the common British word for friend? And can you brainstorm your list without looking for clues first?
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Feb 28, 2011
WORD OF THE WEEK: Mardy
Summary: Tired of the dark days of February? Don't be so mardy, mate! Let's fight the blues with a little education today about British slang ...
Last week, while lunching with my friend Bob, he said over our salads and sandwiches, "I have a WOW for your blog."
I leaned in with interest, of course—interest that piqued when he explained it was an international word, shared with him by his British love interest. It seems they had their first row (rhymes with WOW). And as part of this little spat (okay, maybe it wasn't so noisy, after all), she said to him exasperatedly, "Don't be so mardy!" He gleaned what he thought she meant from the rest of their conversation—particularly when she told him he was too sensitive. No surprise, this hurt his feelings.
Now I may be partial, but I find Bob's sensitivity refreshing. He's someone I can have deep conversations with. And I value his input and creativity. Our brains work very similarly.
We were both dying to know exactly what mardy means. So, I trundled on over to the Dictionary of Slang (or "slanguistics," as they call it) at the UK website Peevish. And under the Ms, this is what I discovered:
Mardy (pronounced just like we Americans say, "Mardi Gras") - (n.) someone who is easily upset, scared or moans incessantly; someone who whines a lot. (adj.) Behaving like a mardy person.
As for the etymology, it took a little more detective work on my end. But many English speakers across the pond have shared their own thoughts and findings in chat groups, helping me to determine that it likely comes from the Old Englishe word mar, meaning to spoil or waste. A child who throws a tantrum was said to be marred, or marred-y, in the days of yore. Some words stick around, even as the rest of the language they come from changes; it seems marred-y is one of those words, only partly evolving itself into a type of slang that's most commonly used as a North England colloquialism.
Well, Bob ... now you know. (Let's not listen!)
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Last week, while lunching with my friend Bob, he said over our salads and sandwiches, "I have a WOW for your blog."
I leaned in with interest, of course—interest that piqued when he explained it was an international word, shared with him by his British love interest. It seems they had their first row (rhymes with WOW). And as part of this little spat (okay, maybe it wasn't so noisy, after all), she said to him exasperatedly, "Don't be so mardy!" He gleaned what he thought she meant from the rest of their conversation—particularly when she told him he was too sensitive. No surprise, this hurt his feelings.
Now I may be partial, but I find Bob's sensitivity refreshing. He's someone I can have deep conversations with. And I value his input and creativity. Our brains work very similarly.
We were both dying to know exactly what mardy means. So, I trundled on over to the Dictionary of Slang (or "slanguistics," as they call it) at the UK website Peevish. And under the Ms, this is what I discovered:
Mardy (pronounced just like we Americans say, "Mardi Gras") - (n.) someone who is easily upset, scared or moans incessantly; someone who whines a lot. (adj.) Behaving like a mardy person.
As for the etymology, it took a little more detective work on my end. But many English speakers across the pond have shared their own thoughts and findings in chat groups, helping me to determine that it likely comes from the Old Englishe word mar, meaning to spoil or waste. A child who throws a tantrum was said to be marred, or marred-y, in the days of yore. Some words stick around, even as the rest of the language they come from changes; it seems marred-y is one of those words, only partly evolving itself into a type of slang that's most commonly used as a North England colloquialism.
Well, Bob ... now you know. (Let's not listen!)
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Sep 27, 2010
WORD OF THE WEEK: Limn
Summary: If you're a fan of this blog—especially on Mondays—you more than likely enjoy learning new words. How would you feel if you saw a word you didn't know as part of a headline in your local paper? And can you even think of a time when this has happened to you? If you live in Baltimore, it may have been recent ...
Last week, while reviewing some promotional material I wrote for my colleague, there was some discussion over a few word choices I'd made. Not surprisingly, some of the decision-makers around the table at our review meeting believed that not all readers would 'get' those words in question. And yet we were unanimous in our desire to use the words.
Some of the people at that meeting thought that it was important to "dumb down" the writing, in order to play to the "lowest common denominator." Most newspapers take this approach, believe it or not, writing to people with an 8th grade education at best. But what happens when a paper stops following that rule? Today's WOW Word of the Week sparked a controversy at the beginning of this month when The Baltimore Sun did just that, running a headline with the word limn front and center—literally on the front page and in the center of the title.
According to the article about this on Merriam-Webster.com, letters and messages came pouring in from impassioned readers who were split over their opinions: Many were offended by what they thought was "arrogant and patronizing," but others were thankful for the opportunity to expand their vocabularies.
Limn (LIM) - (v.) This word has three different meanings, all stemming from the root word for illuminate: (1) to draw or paint on a surface, (2) to outline in sharp detail (The Sun's usage), and (3) to describe. Interestingly enough, the modified version limning is pronounced with the "n" sound in the middle.
As I'm sure you can also imagine, my argument at our meeting was for teaching people, instead of assuming or contributing to their ignorance. And ultimately, we came up with a compromise that made everyone happy (hopefully, including the readers): We used the words in question, and we explained their definitions within the text. This week, I encourage you, if you don't know a word, just ask!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Last week, while reviewing some promotional material I wrote for my colleague, there was some discussion over a few word choices I'd made. Not surprisingly, some of the decision-makers around the table at our review meeting believed that not all readers would 'get' those words in question. And yet we were unanimous in our desire to use the words.
Some of the people at that meeting thought that it was important to "dumb down" the writing, in order to play to the "lowest common denominator." Most newspapers take this approach, believe it or not, writing to people with an 8th grade education at best. But what happens when a paper stops following that rule? Today's WOW Word of the Week sparked a controversy at the beginning of this month when The Baltimore Sun did just that, running a headline with the word limn front and center—literally on the front page and in the center of the title.
According to the article about this on Merriam-Webster.com, letters and messages came pouring in from impassioned readers who were split over their opinions: Many were offended by what they thought was "arrogant and patronizing," but others were thankful for the opportunity to expand their vocabularies.
Limn (LIM) - (v.) This word has three different meanings, all stemming from the root word for illuminate: (1) to draw or paint on a surface, (2) to outline in sharp detail (The Sun's usage), and (3) to describe. Interestingly enough, the modified version limning is pronounced with the "n" sound in the middle.
As I'm sure you can also imagine, my argument at our meeting was for teaching people, instead of assuming or contributing to their ignorance. And ultimately, we came up with a compromise that made everyone happy (hopefully, including the readers): We used the words in question, and we explained their definitions within the text. This week, I encourage you, if you don't know a word, just ask!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Mar 15, 2010
WORD OF THE WEEK: Elide
Summary: Do you ever drop your Gs in such words as using or thinking? If so, you aren't just speaking slang, you're eliding!
Elide (ee - LYED) - (v.) to delete or omit; to leave out as a vowel, a syllable or a piece of information in computer code.
While lying in bed reading the other night (a guilty pleasure I'm supposed to avoid since it begets my natural insomnia), I came across a word that was totally new to me: elide. This word, it turns out, can be used to reference a variety of omissions—from computer coding to words, syllables and even letters. It means to drop, or delete, and comes from the Latin word elidere, meaning to strike out.
Interestingly enough, that word comes from the combination of two other Latin words: e and laedere, which mean to injure by striking.
Stop and think about that from a grammatical standpoint for a second. If I'm the kind of person who often drops the G in such words as thinking, reading and writing (pronouncing them as thinkin' and readin' and writin'), in a sense, I'm harming the words I say. And if I regularly drop words or even whole syllables—gov'ment for government, for instance—some would say I'm butchering the English language; injuring it beyond recognition.
The fact is, most Americans perform some type of elision in everyday language. I actually am the sort of person who sometimes drops her Gs in -ing suffixes. Worse, I use a Hoosier colloquialism from time to time that I grew up using (one my husband finds comically ironic for a communications coach): I'll say, "These blankets all need washed," when what I mean is either, "These blankets all need to be washed," or "These blankets all need washing."
See if you can notice any elisions in use around you this week. And post them here!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Elide (ee - LYED) - (v.) to delete or omit; to leave out as a vowel, a syllable or a piece of information in computer code.
While lying in bed reading the other night (a guilty pleasure I'm supposed to avoid since it begets my natural insomnia), I came across a word that was totally new to me: elide. This word, it turns out, can be used to reference a variety of omissions—from computer coding to words, syllables and even letters. It means to drop, or delete, and comes from the Latin word elidere, meaning to strike out.
Interestingly enough, that word comes from the combination of two other Latin words: e and laedere, which mean to injure by striking.
Stop and think about that from a grammatical standpoint for a second. If I'm the kind of person who often drops the G in such words as thinking, reading and writing (pronouncing them as thinkin' and readin' and writin'), in a sense, I'm harming the words I say. And if I regularly drop words or even whole syllables—gov'ment for government, for instance—some would say I'm butchering the English language; injuring it beyond recognition.
The fact is, most Americans perform some type of elision in everyday language. I actually am the sort of person who sometimes drops her Gs in -ing suffixes. Worse, I use a Hoosier colloquialism from time to time that I grew up using (one my husband finds comically ironic for a communications coach): I'll say, "These blankets all need washed," when what I mean is either, "These blankets all need to be washed," or "These blankets all need washing."
See if you can notice any elisions in use around you this week. And post them here!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Mar 3, 2010
TRULY SPEAKING: Grammar Tricks & Tips—& Resources
Summary: Learn to properly use who and whom, that or which, affect and effect with these excellent online resources and the various tricks and tips that they (and I) provide today.
There are many tricks and tips that you can use to help remember the various—and often contradictory—rules of English grammar. On Monday, I spelled out the subtle differences between the words assume and presume (and reminded you that presumption often takes some basis of logic into consideration, while strictly assuming, or guessing, makes an a-s-s out of u and me).
Here are a few other mnemonics that can help you remember the rules:
Who vs. whom – If you know when to use he and when to use him in a sentence, then you can properly use who and whom. "To whom did you give the money?" "I gave it to him." "Who's at the door?" "He's at the door." Visit GrammarBook.com for more examples of this rule.
That vs. which – Is the information you're about to share important? That's when you want to use that! If it's not such a big deal, you can separate it with commas and call it a which. Some writers and editors refer to these parts of a sentence as essential clauses and unessential clauses, or restrictive clauses and non-restrictive clauses. Want more help? Go to Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips and see why "the sentence that you're writing, which includes some extra information, contains both clause types—no matter what you call them." Always remember to share that important info. up-front and denote other info., which may be less important, with commas.
Affect vs. effect – Very simply, if you can put the word the before your use of this word, you want to choose the one with the e. "The effect of misusing words affects both you and your readers." Effect is a noun, while affect is a verb. Look it up! See more at Copyblogger (along with additional grammar tips and articles for writers).
And if those tips, tricks and sources aren't enough, keep searching and learning by visiting some of these resourceful sites: Let GrammarBytes tell you about lay vs. lie and other rules; correct common mistakes (like using an instead of a before certain words) at WebGrammar; see Dr. Grammar to distinguish between accept and except and to cure a whole host of other word ailments with tricks, tips and resources; or get daily lessons in language at Daily Grammar.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
There are many tricks and tips that you can use to help remember the various—and often contradictory—rules of English grammar. On Monday, I spelled out the subtle differences between the words assume and presume (and reminded you that presumption often takes some basis of logic into consideration, while strictly assuming, or guessing, makes an a-s-s out of u and me).
Here are a few other mnemonics that can help you remember the rules:
Who vs. whom – If you know when to use he and when to use him in a sentence, then you can properly use who and whom. "To whom did you give the money?" "I gave it to him." "Who's at the door?" "He's at the door." Visit GrammarBook.com for more examples of this rule.
That vs. which – Is the information you're about to share important? That's when you want to use that! If it's not such a big deal, you can separate it with commas and call it a which. Some writers and editors refer to these parts of a sentence as essential clauses and unessential clauses, or restrictive clauses and non-restrictive clauses. Want more help? Go to Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips and see why "the sentence that you're writing, which includes some extra information, contains both clause types—no matter what you call them." Always remember to share that important info. up-front and denote other info., which may be less important, with commas.
Affect vs. effect – Very simply, if you can put the word the before your use of this word, you want to choose the one with the e. "The effect of misusing words affects both you and your readers." Effect is a noun, while affect is a verb. Look it up! See more at Copyblogger (along with additional grammar tips and articles for writers).
And if those tips, tricks and sources aren't enough, keep searching and learning by visiting some of these resourceful sites: Let GrammarBytes tell you about lay vs. lie and other rules; correct common mistakes (like using an instead of a before certain words) at WebGrammar; see Dr. Grammar to distinguish between accept and except and to cure a whole host of other word ailments with tricks, tips and resources; or get daily lessons in language at Daily Grammar.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Dec 16, 2009
TRULY SPEAKING: Idioms, Not Idiots
Summary: If you think idioms (like "she wore her heart on her sleeve") are idiotic, think again: They not only serve a purpose, they each have common origins. There are so many of them in today's global village that they can be downright confusing, instead of the shorthand they once were. How to sort them out? See the resources linked below!
“The artless young woman wore her heart on her sleeve for all to see.”
Do you take this sentence literally, envisioning a paper heart sewn onto a shirtsleeve—or worse, a messy sleeve from a blood-pumping heart? It may surprise you to learn that a lot of people do!
This type of phrase is called an idiom, and it’s used to convey an idea somewhat poetically, or metaphorically. There are a lot of these idioms in language—in every culture. (“I’m pulling your leg” in English and “I’m touching your hair” in Spanish both mean, “I’m joking with you.”) Some people, however, are completely befuddled by idioms, especially people on the autism spectrum—which, according to the Autism Society of America, is the fastest growing developmentally challenged population in the U.S.
Despite their seemingly nonsensical existence, idioms do serve a purpose. And whether you're struggling to pick up idioms in a new language you're learning or pondering the roots of those you've heard your whole life in your native tongue, you'll be relieved to know that the purpose of any idiom is not to make you look like an idiot (though it may sometimes feel that way).
Instead, they're meant to be a type of shorthand. They come from common social situations: In example, sailors "learned the ropes" when first starting out by practicing various knot-tying techniques. As they became seasoned, it was understood that they already knew how to tie any knot needed for any situation at sea. It became a kind of shorthand for older sailors to mutter, "He's still learning the ropes," in explanation of a younger sailor's mistake—even when this mistake was about something other than tying knots into ropes. One could logically reason that if the newbie sailor didn't know his knots yet, he must not know much else about sailing; so, saying this was enough. The shorthand explanation of "He's still learning the ropes" often saved the younger sailor from more severe discipline by the captain, who may not know his crew well enough to know each man's level of experience.
Today, we frequently say of a newer company employee, "She's learning the ropes," as an explanation of her adjustment to the company's processes and practices and any other aspect of the work culture.
BTW, "wearing your heart on your sleeve" is a phrase first coined by William Shakespeare in his play Othello, 1604. Just as lines are frequently picked up today from movies—"Show me the money!"—and brought into popular culture, so were many of Shakespeare's lines of that time period. And many have stayed with us through the evolution of English.
For more help, access these sites:
GoEnglish.com - Includes an Idiom Dictionary, as well as an Idiom Thesaurus for searching phrases that convey the same idea
The Phrase Finder - Although this is a British site, it offers a handy Phrase-A-Week e-mail option in addition to meanings and another Phrase Thesaurus
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
“The artless young woman wore her heart on her sleeve for all to see.”
Do you take this sentence literally, envisioning a paper heart sewn onto a shirtsleeve—or worse, a messy sleeve from a blood-pumping heart? It may surprise you to learn that a lot of people do!
This type of phrase is called an idiom, and it’s used to convey an idea somewhat poetically, or metaphorically. There are a lot of these idioms in language—in every culture. (“I’m pulling your leg” in English and “I’m touching your hair” in Spanish both mean, “I’m joking with you.”) Some people, however, are completely befuddled by idioms, especially people on the autism spectrum—which, according to the Autism Society of America, is the fastest growing developmentally challenged population in the U.S.
Despite their seemingly nonsensical existence, idioms do serve a purpose. And whether you're struggling to pick up idioms in a new language you're learning or pondering the roots of those you've heard your whole life in your native tongue, you'll be relieved to know that the purpose of any idiom is not to make you look like an idiot (though it may sometimes feel that way).
Instead, they're meant to be a type of shorthand. They come from common social situations: In example, sailors "learned the ropes" when first starting out by practicing various knot-tying techniques. As they became seasoned, it was understood that they already knew how to tie any knot needed for any situation at sea. It became a kind of shorthand for older sailors to mutter, "He's still learning the ropes," in explanation of a younger sailor's mistake—even when this mistake was about something other than tying knots into ropes. One could logically reason that if the newbie sailor didn't know his knots yet, he must not know much else about sailing; so, saying this was enough. The shorthand explanation of "He's still learning the ropes" often saved the younger sailor from more severe discipline by the captain, who may not know his crew well enough to know each man's level of experience.
Today, we frequently say of a newer company employee, "She's learning the ropes," as an explanation of her adjustment to the company's processes and practices and any other aspect of the work culture.
BTW, "wearing your heart on your sleeve" is a phrase first coined by William Shakespeare in his play Othello, 1604. Just as lines are frequently picked up today from movies—"Show me the money!"—and brought into popular culture, so were many of Shakespeare's lines of that time period. And many have stayed with us through the evolution of English.
For more help, access these sites:
GoEnglish.com - Includes an Idiom Dictionary, as well as an Idiom Thesaurus for searching phrases that convey the same idea
The Phrase Finder - Although this is a British site, it offers a handy Phrase-A-Week e-mail option in addition to meanings and another Phrase Thesaurus
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Oct 21, 2009
TRULY SPEAKING: How to Stop Sibilance (& Other Problem Speech Patterns)
Summary: Public speakers can sometimes be afflicted with lisps or excessive sibilance. Both problems can be fixed by correcting the placement of the tongue when making the S noise and other similar sounds. This is detailed below.
Every once in a while, I'll be speaking in front of a group and I'll notice that my mouth is producing a lot more sibilance than it normally does. This seems to especially happen when I'm reading something aloud. (I also used to notice it as a child, repeating the Lord's Prayer every Sunday: "Forgive usss our tresssssspassssssesss ....") I'm still working on figuring out why I'm afflicted with this precarious speech pattern sometimes and not others, but I do know now consciously how to correct it:
I just change the placement of my tongue to my teeth.
Do you ever suffer from this problem? Maybe you, also, find it occurs more at certain times and less at others. Or maybe you over-emphasize your S sounds always. However frequently you make sibilant distortions, you can change your tongue placement, too, to fix it for yourself.
Reducing sibilance requires the same mouth placement corrections as those used to alleviate lisps, just for the opposite reason. Lispers often mistakenly put their tongues partly on the roofs of their mouths—or more frequently through or against their front teeth—when pronouncing the S or Z (or even SH, CH or TS) sounds. Sibilant speakers, rather, put their tongues behind their teeth when producing these English letter combos.
The correct S pronunciation requires placing the tip of the tongue behind the alveolar ridge of the mouth (that is, on the roof of the mouth, just above the top front teeth).
Sibilance can be especially heightened by amplification, such as using a microphone or recording equipment. There is software and other specialty equipment available today made just to reduce or omit sibilance in vocal tracks. Another quick fix can be done naturally by simply holding the mic away from your mouth approximately four inches. Remember that practice makes perfect!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Every once in a while, I'll be speaking in front of a group and I'll notice that my mouth is producing a lot more sibilance than it normally does. This seems to especially happen when I'm reading something aloud. (I also used to notice it as a child, repeating the Lord's Prayer every Sunday: "Forgive usss our tresssssspassssssesss ....") I'm still working on figuring out why I'm afflicted with this precarious speech pattern sometimes and not others, but I do know now consciously how to correct it:
I just change the placement of my tongue to my teeth.
Do you ever suffer from this problem? Maybe you, also, find it occurs more at certain times and less at others. Or maybe you over-emphasize your S sounds always. However frequently you make sibilant distortions, you can change your tongue placement, too, to fix it for yourself.
Reducing sibilance requires the same mouth placement corrections as those used to alleviate lisps, just for the opposite reason. Lispers often mistakenly put their tongues partly on the roofs of their mouths—or more frequently through or against their front teeth—when pronouncing the S or Z (or even SH, CH or TS) sounds. Sibilant speakers, rather, put their tongues behind their teeth when producing these English letter combos.
The correct S pronunciation requires placing the tip of the tongue behind the alveolar ridge of the mouth (that is, on the roof of the mouth, just above the top front teeth).
Sibilance can be especially heightened by amplification, such as using a microphone or recording equipment. There is software and other specialty equipment available today made just to reduce or omit sibilance in vocal tracks. Another quick fix can be done naturally by simply holding the mic away from your mouth approximately four inches. Remember that practice makes perfect!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Apr 17, 2009
The Evolution of Etymology: How Human Language Changes & Grows
We’ve all heard the universal lament: Cell phones and e-mail accounts are downgrading language. Abbreviations and emoticons are blamed for dropping literacy rates and for lingual confusion virtually all over the world, as teens and tweens spend, according to one British study, about 31 hours per week online texting, surfing, and chatting—versus 3 hours each week studying via the internet. Contrary to popular belief, however, the reverse may be the real truth: Newsweek Magazine reported in an article last August that “texting may give literacy a boost,” because exposure to language equals exposure to language—period.
The fact is, language—no matter which you speak or in what part of the world—changes. Pick up any book written in any decade of the 20th Century, fiction or non-fiction, and you’re sure to find yourself amused at some point by the notable differences in conversational tones. The English language, spoken by more than 20 percent of the world, has morphed from Middle English and “Olde Englishe” (as it was then written), and beyond that, from the Romance languages of Latin and Greek. Etymologically, English has been internationally influenced at each turn as the world population shifts, grows, and eternally relocates.
It should come as no surprise then that language continues to transform as the various countries of the world meet up online. Merriam-Webster’s “open dictionary” takes a firm hold on the helm of this exploration, inviting internet users to add their own words (or “slanguage” as one anonymous contributor put it) to an ever-growing list.
Wikipedia, the open source e-encyclopedia, also has its own open content dictionary, or Wiktionary. It integrates multiple languages into one dictionary source for any speaker-user around the globe.
It’s also not unexpected to note the several books and e-books on the subject of linguistic adaptation. The hand-held reading device Amazon Kindle, having released over 265,000 titles to date—currently priced at around $10—has at least 57, alone, about the ever-changing English language.
What’s your personal contribution to the word world? If you consciously create, unconsciously co-create, or even simply help proliferate the language you speak, hear, read, write, type or text (imagine: “text” is now a verb!), you are a part of the ever-evolving human existence. Welcome to growth! And talk about progressive!
(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
The fact is, language—no matter which you speak or in what part of the world—changes. Pick up any book written in any decade of the 20th Century, fiction or non-fiction, and you’re sure to find yourself amused at some point by the notable differences in conversational tones. The English language, spoken by more than 20 percent of the world, has morphed from Middle English and “Olde Englishe” (as it was then written), and beyond that, from the Romance languages of Latin and Greek. Etymologically, English has been internationally influenced at each turn as the world population shifts, grows, and eternally relocates.
It should come as no surprise then that language continues to transform as the various countries of the world meet up online. Merriam-Webster’s “open dictionary” takes a firm hold on the helm of this exploration, inviting internet users to add their own words (or “slanguage” as one anonymous contributor put it) to an ever-growing list.
Wikipedia, the open source e-encyclopedia, also has its own open content dictionary, or Wiktionary. It integrates multiple languages into one dictionary source for any speaker-user around the globe.
It’s also not unexpected to note the several books and e-books on the subject of linguistic adaptation. The hand-held reading device Amazon Kindle, having released over 265,000 titles to date—currently priced at around $10—has at least 57, alone, about the ever-changing English language.
What’s your personal contribution to the word world? If you consciously create, unconsciously co-create, or even simply help proliferate the language you speak, hear, read, write, type or text (imagine: “text” is now a verb!), you are a part of the ever-evolving human existence. Welcome to growth! And talk about progressive!
(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
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