The word “distressed” might seem straightforward, but a closer look reveals a rich and surprising history. Financial applications of “distressed” are particularly relevant today. We often hear about “distressed companies” and “distressed assets” during economic downturns. Interestingly, these terms were used as early as the 19th century! An 1866 Times …
Alphonse Allais, a French artist and humorist who straddled the late 19th and early 20th centuries, carved a unique niche for himself with his playful and often absurd approach to both art and language. Allais’ work defied artistic conventions and embraced the unexpected, as evidenced by his infamous 1883 exhibition. …
The word “extravaganza” boasts a rich history, journeying from its specific literary roots to encompass the extravagant displays of today. Originally borrowed from Italian, “extravaganza” first described a 19th-century writing style known for its excessive elaborateness. Victorian stage plays served as prime examples, often featuring fantastical elements and whimsical interpretations …
The other day I happened to use the word skinflint, and even as the word was popping out of my mouth, it occurred to me to wonder where on earth it had come from. Does it meant that you’re flinty-skinned? Or that you have such a lean and hungry look …
Japan is a wonderful country, a place of poetry, because their words are so beautiful. Japan itself is Chinese for sun rising, Nippon is Japanese for the same, and their language is filled with such word-pictures. Take karaoke, which I once associated only with those who possess less shame than …
In the sterile hush of hospitals, amidst beeps and murmurs, there exists a word with surprising charm: “phlebotomist.” This tongue twister, with its Greek roots meaning “blood-taker,” doesn’t readily roll off the tongue. Yet, within its syllables lies a hidden elegance, a beauty unveiled upon closer examination. Imagine, if you …
It was, I believe, a certain M. Étiemble who devoted a whole book to the condemnation of what he called Franglais — the long-term debauching of French by commercial English (strictly speaking, commercial American). However such a liaison may be refused benefit of academy, nothing can prevent its becoming a …
Ah, ante-jentacular – what a delightfully obscure yet useful word! It perfectly captures the pre-dawn activities that kickstart our day, be it a bracing shower, a stimulating coffee, or even a slightly more adventurous bloody mary. Is there anything specific you’re enjoying ante-jentacularly today? Perhaps you have a particularly delicious …
Did you know that Tripoli comes from the Greek Tri-Polis meaning Three Cities. Once upon a time there was Sabratha, and then forty miles east of that was Oea, and a hundred miles east of that was Leptis Magna. The Romans called this tripolitic region the Regia Tripolitana. The name …
I am so happy, as I have discovered that my trousers are kingly. That’s not to say that they appear regal to the naked eye, but etymologically they should sit upon a throne because they are made of corduroy. The OED has two alternative etymologies for corduroy: either it is …
