A two-hour "discussion" on this led to a deluge of references: Britney Spears' trainwreck, disturbingly high college male readership of Who Weekly, unintended nude photos on Bebo, suspected self-lovin' in the Carslaw toilets, Senator Larry Craig's 'wide stance', Ted Haggard, Bill 'n' Monica, mental health, the paparazzi, footage of fat people on Today Tonight, and middle-class Anglo-Saxon reluctance to talk about money, among other things.
All in the interests of developing our legal knowledge of course.
A corporate takeover offer where shares are offered in place of cash. This is tax advantageous because capital gains tax is halved if the shares are held for more than 12 months.
Four times in American history, the candidate who won fewer votes nonetheless became president. (Political scientists, with rare concision, call this the “wrong winner�? problem.) »
In petitions of divorce, or for declaration of nullity of marriage, the Queen's Proctor may, under direction of the Attorney General, intervene in the suit for the purpose of arguing any question that the court deems expedient to have argued. i.e. A professional, government-sponsored busy-body.
Isn't it amazing how the links form themselves sionnach?
Thanks gangerh! I'm actually hoping that the predictive text gets smarter so we don't have these word oddities. But we might as well make the most of it in the meantime :)
It was actually written on a white board and for internal campaign consumption only. Calling the voters, or Bush stupid wouldn't have been a brilliant way to win votes.
“The relationship which I might tentatively venture to aver has been not without some degree of reciprocal utility, and perhaps even the occasional gratification, is approaching a point of irreversible bifurcation, and, to be brief, is in the propinquity of its ultimate regrettable termination.�?
Julie Andrews's memoir is full of crisp locutions like "poor unfortunate" and "banished to the scullery" and "trivet," a characteristically precise term that the dictionary defines as "an iron tripod placed over a fire for a cooking pot or kettle to stand on." — »
We all know that pre- means 'before'… so a preface must be something that is 'before the face'. But that doesn't seem right, and a glance in the nearest etymological dictionary meakes it clear that the face part of the word is misleading. 'Preface' comes from an early French form of Latin præfatio, a 'saying beforehand'. A more accurate form in English of the Latin word would therefore have been prefation, the -fation deriving ultimately from the Latin verb fari, fatus 'speak, say'. That same Latin verb leads to other English words: when we talk about what fate has in store for us, for example, we mean 'what has been "spoken" by the gods'. — Leslie Dunkling
I saw today your letter of 26 February. One of the great pleasures of private life is that I need no longer be polite to nincompoops, bigots, curmudgeons and twerps who infest local government bodies and committees such as yours. In the particular case of your committee, that pleasure is acute.
“Where the masculine ideal of as recently as 2000 was a buff 6-footer with six-pack abs, the man of the moment is an urchin, a wraith or an underfed runt.�? — Vanishing Point, NYT
No-nonsense, sans-serif. This typeface screams America. It is reminiscent of the type and signage of a previous era. The golden age of industry and manufacturing.
All those "CHANGE" signs held up by Obamarama mamas you see, they're Gotham. John Edwards' campaign also featured it prominently.
Monetarists would argue that in trying to smooth out the business cycle, governments in fact distort it further, creating bigger booms, and more painful busts. If they just butt out, then the economy would grow close toward its long term trend, without the rollercoaster ride, or so the theory goes…
On February 13, the first item of business in Australia's recently elected 42nd parliament will be an official apology from the Government to Australia's indigenous people, containing the critical word 'sorry'.
It will be a recognition of past sins, an affirmation of progress, and a commitment to substantially improving the appalling social and economic gaps between Aboriginals and other Australians.
February 13 becomes a day of reprieve, offered by the too rapid passage of time. Australians everywhere can be proud that we finally have a government committed to redressing this stain on our national conscience. Decades from now, this will be remembered as the day the nation finally matured.
STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. I think doctors and others prefer this term nowadays because not all of the stuff you can get is necessarily a 'disease'.
Yah, the WeirdNet definition is again a little off. I think a shibboleth isn't a deliberate difference or idiosyncrasy within a group, but something that arises naturally.
Bob: You want the truth? You can't handle the truth. No truth-handler, you. Bah! I deride your truth-handling abilities.
Judge: Will you get to the point?
Bob: Only I could have executed such a masterpiece of electoral fraud. And I have the records to prove it! Here, just look at these—(pulls out binders and floppy disks) each one a work of Machiavellian art.
Judge: But why?
Bob: Because you need me, Springfield. Your guilty conscience may force you to vote Democratic, but deep down inside you secretly long for a cold-hearted Republican to lower taxes, brutalise criminals, and rule you like a king. That's why I did this: to protect you from yourselves. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a city to run.
The strange thing is that "London Light" would have been a perfectly acceptable name for a newspaper. I wonder what the marketing people were thinking.
Paper money has value as a promissory note enforced with the ALMIGHTY POWER OF THE GOVERNMENT! So unless you're predicting a bloody revolution, I'm fairly content with my colourful bits of polymer :)
You Americans with your "due process". In other common law countries the admissibility of evidence is judged against a balancing test, weighing up competing considerations such as knowledge of illegality, importance of the evidence, whether other evidence is available, the need to prevent serious crime, need to protect rights etc... none of this namby-pamby procedural exclusion.
What about the Mitsubishi Starion? I've always suspected it was supposed be "Stallion" (following the success of the "Colt") but something got lost in translation.
In the HSC, the bar was set even lower. Everything from a bus ticket to the works of Shakespeare was a "text" for analysis. This caused much consternation for traditionalists. Nevertheless, I am sure the "composer" of bus tickets would be grateful for all the "responders" he can get.
I have noticed a sudden upsurge in the use of 'sclerotic' to describe Sydney's traffic problems. Probably an apt metaphor, but it is starting to grate.
Jack: Attention all! Attention all! It is with great pleasure I would like to announce that the recipient of this year's prestigious GE followship award is none other than our very own Liz Lemon.
Pete: Wait, how could Liz win a fellowship award? She doesn't like people.
Jack: No followship, presented annually to the woman, sorry, person, who best exemplifies a follower.
Liz: I'm not a follower!
Jack: It also comes with 10 grand.
Liz: I accept this proudly on behalf of followers everywhere.
Jack: When I think of the free-spirited Liz Lemon I met just one year ago, so resistant to product integration, cross-promotion and adverlingus, it pleases me to see how well she's learned to follow.
…
So what are you gonna do with your money? Put it into a 401(k)?
Fremantle Doctor has it's origins in Fremantle's dark past. At Catherine Point, a short distance south of Fremantle, crematoriums were established during the colony's early days to dispose of the corpses of those who had fallen to the illnesses which preyed upon the population in the city's early days. It is reported that the Doctor was named in honour of the wind which blew the stench of burning human flesh inland, as this was otherwise noticeable in both Fremantle and her environs.
This is only tangentially related, but we're having an election campaign in Australia at the moment and one of the candidates bears a strong resemblance to a famous MILF. Apparently other people have noticed that as well:
Isn't it all a matter of perspective? Why would a robot society bother to affix 'robo-' to words describing themselves, for they are the norm? In fact why would they be speaking English…
When confronted with a foaming pensioner with a trivial gripe, smother them with kindness and refer to a fictional event several weeks back that completely exonerates you. It will be written off as a senior's moment and everyone is better off.
“After it, therefore because of it. It means one thing follows the other, therefore it was caused by the other, but it's not always true. In fact, it's hardly ever true. We did not lose Texas because of the hat joke. Do you know when we lost Texas?”
“…a type of political campaigning or speechmaking using coded language, which appears to mean one thing to the general population but which has a different or more specific meaning for a targeted subgroup of the audience.”
There's also arse about tit, variations on a theme all meaning roughly "back-to-front". The mental images are striking! I like to think that the Queen uses this sort of language in private.
Miss Hoover: (scoffs) This is nothing but dead, white male-bashing from a PC thug. It's women like you that keep the rest of us from landing a husband.
…
Lisa: (sobbing) Ms. Hoover called me a PC Thug.
Homer: Oh Lisa, I've been called a greasy thug, too. It never stops hurting. So here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna grease ourselves up real good and trash that place with a baseball bat.
I'd say classitis and divitis are closely linked. It's more to do with introducing lots of redundancy into CSS, when the same effect could be achieved with less code.
Verdana is bold, friendly and round, and a mere tween at 12 years old. Her twin sister Tahoma is also popular and is often chosen in preference to their decidedly frumpy cousin Arial. Their ubiquitous aunt Helvetica, who's been around the block, recently celebrated her 50th. Grandpappy Times New Roman is still around doing the hard yards, and they are all proudly descended from the (capital-G) GrotesqueGaramond.
A disorder characterised by the excessive consumption of and dependence on type, leading to physical and psychological harm and impaired social and vocational functioning. (Also typographical abuse and font dependence)
In an efficient free market, any factor not encapsulated in the price mechanism is an "externality". e.g. the pollution produced by a firm (negative externality), the pollination of a neighbouring orchard by bees (positive externality).
Comments by kewpid
Show previous 200 comments...
kewpid commented on the list what-should-i-be-when-i-grow-up
I hope in 25 years Wordie will still be as minimalist as it is today.
June 4, 2008
kewpid commented on the list potential-barack-obama-slogans
I just realised that if he wins, he'd be the 44th president. Double death! How ominous :O
June 4, 2008
kewpid commented on the word bristol stool scale
I don't know anybody who does it with a foot rest. Could so many of us be doing it all wrong?
June 3, 2008
kewpid commented on the list what-should-i-be-when-i-grow-up
The day I'm presented with a blue rose. Until then I'll be foreeeeeever young.
June 3, 2008
kewpid commented on the word apple
I'm eating one right now. Yum yum.
June 3, 2008
kewpid commented on the list what-should-i-be-when-i-grow-up
It was hammered into me that I should be a doctor. I'm an economist studying to be a lawyer, but I really want to be an artist.
June 3, 2008
kewpid commented on the word journalist
Less trusted than politicians.
June 3, 2008
kewpid commented on the list humorous-headlines
Haha, I think the more humorous thing is that there is a George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
June 3, 2008
kewpid commented on the word saltpeter
Salt 'n' pepper, together at last!
June 2, 2008
kewpid commented on the word bristol stool scale
Mine do not smell reesetee.
June 2, 2008
kewpid commented on the word accordion
n. An instrument in harmony with the sentiments of an assassin.
June 1, 2008
kewpid commented on the word jury
n. A number of persons appointed by a court to assist the attorneys preventing law from degenerating into justice.
June 1, 2008
kewpid commented on the word entomophagy
The scientific term for consuming insects. »
May 31, 2008
kewpid commented on the word bristol stool scale
I'm with Palooka. There's something particularly satisfying about a 2–3. And when a cup of tea doesn't do it, a good dump solves everything.
May 30, 2008
kewpid commented on the word breath of fire
Yes! Quite good game play. And that's coming from someone who usually hates computer games.
May 29, 2008
kewpid commented on the list metonyms-2
I'm glad my list has generated such lively debate. I personally favour the broader meaning of metonyms as it means more words to list :)
May 27, 2008
kewpid commented on the list metonyms-2
Added! thanks bilby.
May 26, 2008
kewpid commented on the word hysterical
A rather misogynistic term.
May 22, 2008
kewpid commented on the word october surprise
A bombshell dropped just before—quelle surprise!—the November presidential/congressional/mid-term elections.
May 22, 2008
kewpid commented on the word wedge issues
See also: discussion at dog-whistle.
May 21, 2008
kewpid commented on the word founding fathers
The original liberal elite.
May 20, 2008
kewpid commented on the word godwin's law
The widespread dissemination of this “law�? means that people now invoke hyperbole as against Soviet Russia, instead of the Nazis.
May 19, 2008
kewpid commented on the word draconian
“…draconian anti-terrorism legislation.�? The “draconian�? seems redundant these days.
May 19, 2008
kewpid commented on the word tummy
The Skin is considered an organ, and it is outside the body :)
May 18, 2008
kewpid commented on the word privacy
A two-hour "discussion" on this led to a deluge of references: Britney Spears' trainwreck, disturbingly high college male readership of Who Weekly, unintended nude photos on Bebo, suspected self-lovin' in the Carslaw toilets, Senator Larry Craig's 'wide stance', Ted Haggard, Bill 'n' Monica, mental health, the paparazzi, footage of fat people on Today Tonight, and middle-class Anglo-Saxon reluctance to talk about money, among other things.
All in the interests of developing our legal knowledge of course.
May 14, 2008
kewpid commented on the word scrip
A corporate takeover offer where shares are offered in place of cash. This is tax advantageous because capital gains tax is halved if the shares are held for more than 12 months.
May 12, 2008
kewpid commented on the word interesting
It means a whole lot of nothing.
May 12, 2008
kewpid commented on the word dreamtime
Apparently this should now be referred to as "The Dreaming" »
May 11, 2008
kewpid commented on the word wowser
It can be issue-specific.
May 11, 2008
kewpid commented on the word great tits cope well with warming
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7390109.stm
May 11, 2008
kewpid commented on the word wrong winner
Four times in American history, the candidate who won fewer votes nonetheless became president. (Political scientists, with rare concision, call this the “wrong winner�? problem.) »
May 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word proctor
In petitions of divorce, or for declaration of nullity of marriage, the Queen's Proctor may, under direction of the Attorney General, intervene in the suit for the purpose of arguing any question that the court deems expedient to have argued. i.e. A professional, government-sponsored busy-body.
May 9, 2008
kewpid commented on the word procurator
See also: proctor.
May 9, 2008
kewpid commented on the word lacuna
Sounds like a holiday destination.
May 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the word persimmon
These are yummy but they make you hot.
May 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the word sidewalk
See also: footpath.
May 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the word hufta
n.
A bad person.
e.g. “You spiggin' hufta!�?
May 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the word origami rage
Intensifies when your toss misses the bin entirely.
May 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the list predictive-text-speak
eep! how did I manage to miss this? Good words guys.
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word reespect
Aretha's job just got a little harder.
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word microphallus
Surely this brings up the concept of macrophallus.
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word stewpid kewpid
None taken, g.
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word magic kewpid ride
fantastical!
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the list textonyms
Isn't it amazing how the links form themselves sionnach?
Thanks gangerh! I'm actually hoping that the predictive text gets smarter so we don't have these word oddities. But we might as well make the most of it in the meantime :)
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word nun
mum
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word poisoned
Smirnoff
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word cup
bus
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word any
boy
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word dual
fuck
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word steve
queue
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word swampea
Swansea
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word undu
tofu
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word bomb
Anna
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word barehed
Cardiff
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word carnage
barmaid
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word aides
cheer
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word lips
kiss
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word of
me
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word book
cool
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word zonino
woohoo
May 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word it's the economy, stupid
It was actually written on a white board and for internal campaign consumption only. Calling the voters, or Bush stupid wouldn't have been a brilliant way to win votes.
May 3, 2008
kewpid commented on the word arugula
Or simply rocket.
April 28, 2008
kewpid commented on the word hobbes
He's a magnificent creation, and has brought me great joy :)
April 28, 2008
kewpid commented on the word gett
A 12 line document which marks the termination of a Jewish marriage.
April 28, 2008
kewpid commented on the word hair on the palms of your hands
This is a sign of many things ;)
April 27, 2008
kewpid commented on the list anzac-day
It's bilby's list reesetee :)
April 27, 2008
kewpid commented on the word two-up
I just found out that this is only legal on Anzac Day. There's even a specific Act to make it happen.
April 27, 2008
kewpid commented on the word bifurcation
A civil servant without peer!
April 27, 2008
kewpid commented on the word bloody hell
I don't find it offensive, and I don't think anyone I know does either. Though that might say something about the company I keep.
April 27, 2008
kewpid commented on the word bifurcation
“The relationship which I might tentatively venture to aver has been not without some degree of reciprocal utility, and perhaps even the occasional gratification, is approaching a point of irreversible bifurcation, and, to be brief, is in the propinquity of its ultimate regrettable termination.�?
—Sir Humphrey Appleby
April 26, 2008
kewpid commented on the word chalice
often prefixed with "poisoned".
April 26, 2008
kewpid commented on the word gaol
I do believe that "gaol" has lost the war against "jail" in the Australian media.
April 26, 2008
kewpid commented on the word generation
I don't think you can, which is why we have those interminable op-ed wars.
April 26, 2008
kewpid commented on the word finocchio
when has it been used in the second sense?
April 18, 2008
kewpid commented on the list university-of-sydney
Oh my, I can't believed I missed the jacaranda tree. Thanks reese and bilby!
April 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the word aung san suu kyi
I was taught "soo chee", which is still capable of making me giggle.
April 16, 2008
kewpid commented on the word glebe
It most certainly was set in Glebe. They also filmed it there.
April 16, 2008
kewpid commented on the user bilby
You seem to be quoting a lot of Germaine Greer!
April 13, 2008
kewpid commented on the word vladimir putin
Haha. I love that Dobby looks like him rather than the other way around.
April 13, 2008
kewpid commented on the word i could care less
I flinch every time this is (mis)spoken.
April 13, 2008
kewpid commented on the word desire path
Interesting!
April 12, 2008
kewpid commented on the word peter and paul
Funny Games (1997 and 2008).
April 11, 2008
kewpid commented on the word kitchen sink
Why “everything but the…�?
April 2, 2008
kewpid commented on the word trivet
Julie Andrews's memoir is full of crisp locutions like "poor unfortunate" and "banished to the scullery" and "trivet," a characteristically precise term that the dictionary defines as "an iron tripod placed over a fire for a cooking pot or kettle to stand on." — »
March 29, 2008
kewpid commented on the word plastic bag
The Chaser are a comedy/satire troupe :)
March 27, 2008
kewpid commented on the word podictionary
podictionary — for word lovers — daily stories, trivia & dictionary etymology.
March 24, 2008
kewpid commented on the word preface
We all know that pre- means 'before'… so a preface must be something that is 'before the face'. But that doesn't seem right, and a glance in the nearest etymological dictionary meakes it clear that the face part of the word is misleading. 'Preface' comes from an early French form of Latin præfatio, a 'saying beforehand'. A more accurate form in English of the Latin word would therefore have been prefation, the -fation deriving ultimately from the Latin verb fari, fatus 'speak, say'. That same Latin verb leads to other English words: when we talk about what fate has in store for us, for example, we mean 'what has been "spoken" by the gods'. — Leslie Dunkling
March 23, 2008
kewpid commented on the word pray
“To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of a single petitioner, confessedly unworthy.�? — The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce
March 23, 2008
kewpid commented on the word wednesbury unreasonableness
A decision so unreasonable that no reasonable person could take it.
March 15, 2008
kewpid commented on the word chocolate causes zits
I think this has been scientifically debunked, but it's still pretty compelling.
February 23, 2008
kewpid commented on the list i-believe
Thank you reesetee! Yes I think I will!
February 22, 2008
kewpid commented on the word gotham
A font we can believe in.
February 22, 2008
kewpid commented on the word assicon
Ah the seedy underbelly of Wordie!
February 21, 2008
kewpid commented on the list the-ivy-league
Because he's a graduate of Harvard Business School :P
February 20, 2008
kewpid commented on the word emo
Emos are beautiful souls.
February 20, 2008
kewpid commented on the word belgium
Drop "any" and it's right.
February 19, 2008
kewpid commented on the word shabby
“It's not to shabby is it?�? Said Jonny Ive.
February 19, 2008
kewpid commented on the word kangaroo
Demonstrated nicely in this video.
February 19, 2008
kewpid commented on the word incursion
Rather different from an excursion.
February 18, 2008
kewpid commented on the word footprint
A brief history of �?footprint“
February 18, 2008
kewpid commented on the word substandard housing
Slums.
February 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the word pre-owned
Second hand.
February 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the word anticipatory communism
To steal something.
February 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the word saucepan
I have never made sauce in one.
February 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the word fruit loops
Concentrated sugar.
February 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the list •open-list-your-life-in-6-words
NPR: Six-word memoirs
February 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the word svermore
An act of desperation (esp. in Scrabble)
February 16, 2008
kewpid commented on the word crick and watson
It's really Rosalind Franklin who deserved the Nobel Prize.
February 16, 2008
kewpid commented on the word polemicist
Ann Coulter reckons herself one.
February 16, 2008
kewpid commented on the word barbie and ken
'twas devastating when she left him for Blaine. Luckily she came to her senses.
February 16, 2008
kewpid commented on the word rasbliutto
It does now!
February 16, 2008
kewpid commented on the word faggot
Oh hey, pink triangles! That's not even remotely suggestive…
February 16, 2008
kewpid commented on the word dissent
Offering a beacon to a later, more enlightened time, when the errors of
the majority will be acknowledged and corrected.
February 14, 2008
kewpid commented on the word beak house
Or for “One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest�?
February 13, 2008
kewpid commented on the word sidere mens eadem mutato
“The stars change, but the mind remains the same.�?
February 13, 2008
kewpid commented on the word ostensibly
This is a very good filler word.
February 12, 2008
kewpid commented on the word woolloomooloo
A way to remember the spelling: “sheep, toilet, cow, toilet�?
February 11, 2008
kewpid commented on the word parramatta
It means, “the place where the eels lie down.�?
February 11, 2008
kewpid commented on the word apostate
It seems like every bloody article mentioning John McCain describes him as an “apostate�?.
February 11, 2008
kewpid commented on the word snappier
What Safari is after every Mac OS X update.
February 11, 2008
kewpid commented on the word pause
The possibility of a Huckabee presidency would give many independent voters (and this newspaper) pause. »
February 11, 2008
kewpid commented on the word atlantic monthly
I've been browsing The Atlantic website for the past hour. It's a fine publication!
February 11, 2008
kewpid commented on the word baby's breath
They are used as "filler" in flower arrangements.
February 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word judas
Not many people are named this for obvious reasons, but I like it.
February 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word tylenol
Marketed as “Panadol�? outside North America. I think “Tylenol�? sounds better.
February 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word guyliner
What do the other 10% prefer?
February 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the word curmudgeon
Dear Mr Seamer,
I saw today your letter of 26 February. One of the great pleasures of private life is that I need no longer be polite to nincompoops, bigots, curmudgeons and twerps who infest local government bodies and committees such as yours. In the particular case of your committee, that pleasure is acute.
Yours sincerely … »
February 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the word fight cub
Or even more shockingly Calvin and Hobbes have a falling out.
February 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the word wraith
“Where the masculine ideal of as recently as 2000 was a buff 6-footer with six-pack abs, the man of the moment is an urchin, a wraith or an underfed runt.�? — Vanishing Point, NYT
February 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the word electoral college
Bush graduated from there.
February 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the word chav
Sartorially, they do deserve scorn.
February 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the user kewpid
Yep, that'd be appreciated :)
February 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the word hoyay
e.g. The Petrelli brothers in Heroes, not to mention Mohinder/Sylar and Hiro/Ando. Oh boy!
February 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the list •-de-rerum-natura
I think we need more guidance.
February 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the word gotham
Why yes, I think palooka invented it here. Oprah's the queen bee. Or is it Michelle, or Maria, or Caroline?!
February 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the word crapulous
This word is too good to be true.
February 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the word gotham
Gotham's also a nickname for New York City, which features many of those golden era relic signs. What a web of trivia :)
February 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the word fascisim
Simulated fascism? I think it was bad enough the first time round.
February 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the word mushroom cloud
The "fruit" the serpent offered Eve from the Tree of Knowledge has occasionally been represented as a mushroom!
February 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the word gotham
No-nonsense, sans-serif. This typeface screams America. It is reminiscent of the type and signage of a previous era. The golden age of industry and manufacturing.
All those "CHANGE" signs held up by Obamarama mamas you see, they're Gotham. John Edwards' campaign also featured it prominently.
February 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the word mushroom cloud
Mushrooms and other fungi conjure a more sinister, insidious atmosphere. Broccoli is just well... broccoli. It's rather nice to eat.
February 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word chernobyl
And a less big man-made problem is a three mile island
February 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word boom and bust
Monetarists would argue that in trying to smooth out the business cycle, governments in fact distort it further, creating bigger booms, and more painful busts. If they just butt out, then the economy would grow close toward its long term trend, without the rollercoaster ride, or so the theory goes…
February 6, 2008
kewpid commented on the word indubitably
February 5, 2008
kewpid commented on the word cello
Bach's Cello Suite is beautiful.
February 5, 2008
kewpid commented on the word 7
Does anyone else cross their 7s? And their Zs and 0s for that matter?
February 5, 2008
kewpid commented on the word obsequies
Funeral services or preparations.
February 2, 2008
kewpid commented on the word kewpie doll
I say, this is a very plausible retcon for my username.
February 1, 2008
kewpid commented on the word lorax
A brave environmentalist standing up to the man.
February 1, 2008
kewpid commented on the word scrabble
I once played tequila.
February 1, 2008
kewpid commented on the word sorry
On February 13, the first item of business in Australia's recently elected 42nd parliament will be an official apology from the Government to Australia's indigenous people, containing the critical word 'sorry'.
It will be a recognition of past sins, an affirmation of progress, and a commitment to substantially improving the appalling social and economic gaps between Aboriginals and other Australians.
February 13 becomes a day of reprieve, offered by the too rapid passage of time. Australians everywhere can be proud that we finally have a government committed to redressing this stain on our national conscience. Decades from now, this will be remembered as the day the nation finally matured.
February 1, 2008
kewpid commented on the word volley
My favourite shoe. I knew that if I waited long enough they'd be back in fashion.
January 27, 2008
kewpid commented on the word kumquat
Yummy! Though I kinda like them because of the sour core, not the sweet exterior.
January 24, 2008
kewpid commented on the word rasbliutto
The feeling you have for someone who you used to be in love with, but aren't anymore.
January 24, 2008
kewpid commented on the word masturbatorium
Do not enter Dr. Finch's masturbatorium.
January 24, 2008
kewpid commented on the word messenger
This word has always felt 'wrong'. How does 'message' become 'messenger' ? Would a 'messager' be the creator rather than someone who carried it?
January 21, 2008
kewpid commented on the word solar plexus
A plexus is a network of nerves, so I guess this refers to the "central network of nerves" ?
January 20, 2008
kewpid commented on the user kewpid
Ah, my wall has been defiled ;)
January 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the word whatever floats your boat
I share your dislike, and return it with a renewed sense of outrage!
January 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the list nineteen-eighty-four
Thank you! It turns out Valse already had a similar (identical) idea.
January 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the word antidisestablishmentarianism
I remember being so chuffed as a kid for knowing the “world's longest word�?. Some might say insufferable
January 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the word sexlexia
A very sexy learning disability.
January 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the word finocchiona
Sounds yummy!
January 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the word big brother
This terrifying concept has been reduced to a side-character on a reality TV show.
January 17, 2008
kewpid commented on the list pretty-words-for-when-things-get-ugly
Very useful for a political reporter.
January 16, 2008
kewpid commented on the word omnidextrous
This is a very sexy word.
January 16, 2008
kewpid commented on the word earwig
How to measure earwig poo?
How to know how much they do?
Are there scales to measure it
Those tiny piles of earwig shit?
—Barry Kent (Sue Townsend)
January 15, 2008
kewpid commented on the word et al
Almost as prolific as 'Anonymous'.
January 14, 2008
kewpid commented on the word emocow
Aww, I'm happy to be of service :)
January 14, 2008
kewpid commented on the list tunie-banana-phone
Strange, I had this tune stuck in my head all day, then this pops up :S
January 14, 2008
kewpid commented on the word hiv
STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. I think doctors and others prefer this term nowadays because not all of the stuff you can get is necessarily a 'disease'.
Here's a better explanation.
January 14, 2008
kewpid commented on the word hiv
If you have herpes, HPV, or any other STI, you should go see a doctor.
January 13, 2008
kewpid commented on the word emocow
A particularly fine specimen.
January 12, 2008
kewpid commented on the word lucifer
“light giver�?
January 11, 2008
kewpid commented on the word half-windsor knot
Apu: You are wearing a red and white striped club tie in a half-Windsor knot.
January 11, 2008
kewpid commented on the list metonyms-2
Thanks everyone! I wasn't limiting it to place names, although it kind of looked that way.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word wordie blogs
My blog is at: kewpid.net.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word canberra
The Australian government.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word beehive
The Beehive—The New Zealand government.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word brussels
The EU.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word fleet street
The British mass press.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word westminster
The U.K. parliament.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word number 10
The British PM and his/her staff.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word crown
The British monarchy.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word broadway
American theatre.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word houston
NASA Mission Control.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word cupertino
Apple Inc.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word redmond
Microsoft.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word silicon valley
The American high-tech industry.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word wall street
The American financial markets.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word hollywood
The American film industry.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word the hill
The U.S. Congress.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word washington
The U.S. government.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word foggy bottom
The U.S. Department of State.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word pentagon
The U.S. Department of Defense.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word white house
The U.S. President and his/her staff.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word kremlin
The Russian government.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word imho
Mitt Romney probably could.
January 10, 2008
kewpid commented on the word hypergraphia
“The midnight disease�?—an insatiable desire to write.
January 9, 2008
kewpid commented on the word melee
Some say mee-LEE, I say meh-LAY.
January 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the word karoshi
“Death by overwork�?
January 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the word mollify
eh?
January 8, 2008
kewpid commented on the word lindsay lohan
I thought she was excellent in Mean Girls.
January 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the word twitterite
Also, a twitterer.
January 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the word acalculia
An inability to perform simple arithmetic tasks.
January 7, 2008
kewpid commented on the word buttboy
This sounds a tad homophobic.
January 5, 2008
kewpid commented on the word harass
"harris" or "har-rass" ?
January 5, 2008
kewpid commented on the word microwave
Short for microwave oven.
December 31, 2007
kewpid commented on the word oprah
An Obamarama mama.
December 26, 2007
kewpid commented on the word fucksucker
I believe this is the natural evolution of the dinner scene in Donnie Darko, where Maggie told Jake "you can go suck a fuck".
December 23, 2007
kewpid commented on the word byzantine
Yes it can.
December 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word brangelina
Angelina has not been looking very jolie lately :(
December 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the list what-i-thought-wordies-were-before-i-discovered-wordie
bravo!
December 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word mulberry
Yummy!
December 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word pachinko
I think it is!
December 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word his steveness
You gots to call 'em with a iPhone
December 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word lawyer
December 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word smutty-breast
Ho boy, this is in the vein of titmouse.
December 19, 2007
kewpid commented on the word tuna fish
“Tigers will do anything for a tuna fish sandwich�?— Calvin
December 19, 2007
kewpid commented on the list master-of-your-domain
This is certainly not what I was thinking :)
December 19, 2007
kewpid commented on the word fire
It burns!
December 19, 2007
kewpid commented on the word earl grey
I'm surprised something so definitively English was excluded for so long.
December 19, 2007
kewpid commented on the word free lunch
“There ain't no such thing as a free lunch�?— Refers to the concept of opportunity cost.
December 19, 2007
kewpid commented on the word shibboleth
Yah, the WeirdNet definition is again a little off. I think a shibboleth isn't a deliberate difference or idiosyncrasy within a group, but something that arises naturally.
December 19, 2007
kewpid commented on the word attorney
Really? Solicitor sounds very ordinary to me. Though I'm probably just used to hearing it.
December 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the list what-the-cat-said
It is "nyao" in Japanese.
December 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word obelix
I always felt that Obelix was, in substance, the star of the series.
December 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word unique
“Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.�?
December 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word sideshow bob
Sideshow Bob: Attempted murder, now honestly, what is that? Do they give a Nobel Prize for attempted chemistry?
Bob: By the way, I'm aware of the irony of appearing on TV in order to decry it, so don't bother pointing that out.
Bob: No children have ever meddled with the Republican Party and lived to tell about it.
December 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word sideshow bob
Bob: You want the truth? You can't handle the truth. No truth-handler, you. Bah! I deride your truth-handling abilities.
Judge: Will you get to the point?
Bob: Only I could have executed such a masterpiece of electoral fraud. And I have the records to prove it! Here, just look at these—(pulls out binders and floppy disks) each one a work of Machiavellian art.
Judge: But why?
Bob: Because you need me, Springfield. Your guilty conscience may force you to vote Democratic, but deep down inside you secretly long for a cold-hearted Republican to lower taxes, brutalise criminals, and rule you like a king. That's why I did this: to protect you from yourselves. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a city to run.
Judge: Bailiffs, place the mayor under arrest.
Bob: What? Oh yes, all that stuff I did.
December 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word attorney
You are right burntsox. Though the preference for Attorney seems to be an American trend.
In Australia the split is between Solicitor vs. Barrister, as the profession is not fused over here.
December 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word vibraslap
Too right arby, that's the first thing that came to mind.
December 17, 2007
kewpid commented on the word temperamental
But it is undeniably correct :)
December 17, 2007
kewpid commented on the word lite
The strange thing is that "London Light" would have been a perfectly acceptable name for a newspaper. I wonder what the marketing people were thinking.
December 17, 2007
kewpid commented on the word sparky
An electrician.
December 17, 2007
kewpid commented on the word chippy
A carpenter.
December 16, 2007
kewpid commented on the word fiat
Paper money has value as a promissory note enforced with the ALMIGHTY POWER OF THE GOVERNMENT! So unless you're predicting a bloody revolution, I'm fairly content with my colourful bits of polymer :)
December 14, 2007
kewpid commented on the list caffeinated-beverages
Oooh, I have not heard of that.
December 14, 2007
kewpid commented on the word schwarzenegger
As American as apfel-strudel.
December 13, 2007
kewpid commented on the word resign
To be fired.
December 13, 2007
kewpid commented on the word recalcitrant
No, Mahathir Mohammed.
December 13, 2007
kewpid commented on the word microserf
What you become after purchasing Windows Vista UltraMegaSuperDupa, and its equally Ultimate Office cousin.
December 13, 2007
kewpid commented on the word mook
Portmanteau of magazine and book.
December 13, 2007
kewpid commented on the word mohammed wong
Combining the world's most common first name with the most common surname.
December 13, 2007
kewpid commented on the word kevorkian transfusion
There was footage of Hillary Clinton being all witty with Republican congressmen in Sicko. Now I get the joke!
December 13, 2007
kewpid commented on the list humorous-headlines
Thanks! Though I am really stretching the meaning of 'word' here.
December 12, 2007
kewpid commented on the user misterpolly
Thank you for the kind comments!
December 12, 2007
kewpid commented on the word alsatian
An alsatian a day keeps the muggers at bay.
December 11, 2007
kewpid commented on the word fourth estate
The clergy, the nobles, and the commoners.
December 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word ecotone
The intersection or overlap between two ecosystems.
December 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word bommy-knocker
I remember hearing it all the time when I was a kid. It referred to those small round brown spiked ball things that fell from trees.
December 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word zebra
“A zebra is a horse designed by committee.�?
December 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word global warming
Yes, that's true. They actually describe different things, so they shouldn't be used interchangeably.
December 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word inadequate
Beautifully said.
December 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word global warming
Sounds a lot more urgent than the deliberately benign "climate change".
December 9, 2007
kewpid commented on the word entrapment
You Americans with your "due process". In other common law countries the admissibility of evidence is judged against a balancing test, weighing up competing considerations such as knowledge of illegality, importance of the evidence, whether other evidence is available, the need to prevent serious crime, need to protect rights etc... none of this namby-pamby procedural exclusion.
December 9, 2007
kewpid commented on the word liberalism
Liberalism is governed by fundamental rules and beliefs, so I guess what it ultimately aspires to achieve is in a way (little-r) revolutionary.
December 9, 2007
kewpid commented on the word libertarianism
er, no. :)
December 9, 2007
kewpid commented on the word hyphen
This is used to join words together (e.g. well-being), or indicate where a word is broken at the end of a line. Cf em dash and en dash.
more info.
December 9, 2007
kewpid commented on the word en dash
This is used to indicate 'through', such as in dates and page numbers. Cf em dash and hyphen.
more info.
December 9, 2007
kewpid commented on the word em dash
This is the 'dash' we use when enclosing clauses, words or phrases, or to detach one end of a sentence from the main body. Cf en dash and hyphen.
more info.
December 9, 2007
kewpid commented on the word shibboleth
I learnt it from The West Wing.
December 9, 2007
kewpid commented on the word myfanwy
This instantly reminded me of Under Milk Wood.
December 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the list stupid-car-names
What about the Mitsubishi Starion? I've always suspected it was supposed be "Stallion" (following the success of the "Colt") but something got lost in translation.
December 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word why
Why not?
December 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word reesetee
Because reesetee understands the virtue of humility.
December 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word cicada
Pronounced sih-kay-dah.
December 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word abattoir
I can never remember how to spell this.
December 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word sandgroper
Also refers to this interesting looking insect.
December 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word law stylist
Preferable to "lawyer".
December 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word text
In the HSC, the bar was set even lower. Everything from a bus ticket to the works of Shakespeare was a "text" for analysis. This caused much consternation for traditionalists. Nevertheless, I am sure the "composer" of bus tickets would be grateful for all the "responders" he can get.
December 5, 2007
kewpid commented on the word sclerotic
I have noticed a sudden upsurge in the use of 'sclerotic' to describe Sydney's traffic problems. Probably an apt metaphor, but it is starting to grate.
December 5, 2007
kewpid commented on the word envelope
I don't think so c_b. I pronunciate it how you pronunciate it :)
December 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the word gingko
ginkgo biloba.
December 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the word investment
How rich people turn money into more money.
December 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word little chechnya
More murders per capita than Detroit!
December 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word page-off
A savage contest mixing physical stamina with NBC trivia.
December 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word envelope
en-velope, or on-velope? or en-vellup!?
December 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word dwarf
Does that mean Josiah Bartlet lied to me?
December 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word desecrate
“Hey Jack, if you desecrate something, is that bad?” — Tracy Jordan
December 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word followship
Jack: Attention all! Attention all! It is with great pleasure I would like to announce that the recipient of this year's prestigious GE followship award is none other than our very own Liz Lemon.
Pete: Wait, how could Liz win a fellowship award? She doesn't like people.
Jack: No followship, presented annually to the woman, sorry, person, who best exemplifies a follower.
Liz: I'm not a follower!
Jack: It also comes with 10 grand.
Liz: I accept this proudly on behalf of followers everywhere.
Jack: When I think of the free-spirited Liz Lemon I met just one year ago, so resistant to product integration, cross-promotion and adverlingus, it pleases me to see how well she's learned to follow.
…
So what are you gonna do with your money? Put it into a 401(k)?
Liz: Yeh, I gotta get one of those…
Jack: What? Where do you invest your money Liz?
Liz: I have like 12 grand in checking.
Jack: Are you an immigrant?
December 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word contrived
A perfectly ambiguous insult.
December 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word ⚜
December 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word
FWIW here is what it looks like:
December 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word
It's the Apple symbol. I think it's in the private space of Unicode or something like that, so you need a Mac to see it properly :)
December 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word ☪
Star and crescent. Generally regarded as a symbol of Islam.
December 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word �?
Christian cross
December 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word ✠
Iron Cross
December 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word ✡
Star of David.
December 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word
Oh holy Apple, may our saviour who walks the Earth, Steve Jobs, unveil a Macbook Thin at Macworld.
December 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word ⚜
The elusive fleur-de-lys.
December 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word white space
Often it is not what you put in, but what you leave out.
December 1, 2007
kewpid commented on the word quokka
Rugby players apparently :(
December 1, 2007
kewpid commented on the word violet crumble
I never liked this stuff. Too sweet, and gets stuck in your teeth.
November 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word quokka
Fairly cute critters that ought not to be kicked, thrown, tossed, or otherwise abused.
November 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word bluetooth
Named for Harald Bluetooth, a king who united parts of Scandinavia. Bluetooth likewise "unifies" electronic devices.
November 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word guyliner
It brings out the colour of one's eyes.
November 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word thylacine
Despite its extinct status, we live in hope that there are still a few out there.
November 23, 2007
kewpid commented on the word suppose
This is a nice sentence qualifier so you can backtrack later :)
November 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word objectivity
… whereas subjectivity is empirical.
November 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word cossies
New South Welshman for "swimming costume".
November 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word slip, slop, slap
It's definitely memorable. But the rate of skin cancer suggests it's not working :(
November 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word handwriting
Beautiful handwriting makes me squee.
November 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word calligraphy
The art of beautiful handwriting.
November 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word video et taceo
Woah, that was strange.
November 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word fellatiate
I say, this word is an oral delight.
November 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the list at-least-two-apostrophes-or-your-money-back
sha'n't
November 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word fremantle doctor
Wikipedia says:
November 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word slip, slop, slap
NOT lame.
November 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word definition
If only the world were so black and white.
November 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word milf
This is only tangentially related, but we're having an election campaign in Australia at the moment and one of the candidates bears a strong resemblance to a famous MILF. Apparently other people have noticed that as well:
November 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word yggdrasil
How is it pronounced?
November 20, 2007
kewpid commented on the word video et taceo
test
November 19, 2007
kewpid commented on the word video et taceo
Or, staying at home for the night in Mexico.
November 19, 2007
kewpid commented on the word smurfed
Oroboros: yes. But I *strongly* recommend using the latter rather than the former.
November 19, 2007
kewpid commented on the word mercurial
Oh, it is for Mercury.
Mercutio was named because he is mercurial. Interesting what a missing comma can do.
November 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word video et taceo
“I see and keep silent.”
November 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word makybe diva
This mare is really something. It won the Melbourne Cup in 2003, 2004, and 2005.
It is named for the owner's employees (Maureen, Kylie, Belinda, Diane and Vanessa)
November 17, 2007
kewpid commented on the word mercurial
To be up and down like Mercutio.
November 17, 2007
kewpid commented on the word smurfed
To be covered in blue paint. :)
I think it means to be stuffed/screwed/f*cked.
November 17, 2007
kewpid commented on the word pooh
A bear-like critter that loves hunny.
November 17, 2007
kewpid commented on the word congress
Yikes, that's too many taboos to count.
November 16, 2007
kewpid commented on the word mobile
I get an "Internal Server Error" message on my Nokia 6120c
November 16, 2007
kewpid commented on the word surd
With a simple explanation they are no longer absurd.
November 16, 2007
kewpid commented on the list favourite-things
This list makes me feel not so bad :)
November 15, 2007
kewpid commented on the word stagflation
Yup. I meant 'here' as in when stagflation happens, not in Australia :P
November 15, 2007
kewpid commented on the word cms
Content Management System I say.
November 15, 2007
kewpid commented on the word stagflation
I don't think it is possible to coin a word of enough scariness to describe what is happening in the economy here.
November 14, 2007
kewpid commented on the word bivouac
It's probably closest to 2-and-a-half syllables.
November 13, 2007
kewpid commented on the word stronger
Let's not forget the Britney Spears feminist ballad.
November 12, 2007
kewpid commented on the word chanel
Richard Rich Sr.: Glasses, electronic aids and surgery help us see and hear better. Isn't it time we had something to help us SMELL better?
Regina Rich: We already do, dear. It's called Chanel.
November 11, 2007
kewpid commented on the word jury
How cynical!
November 11, 2007
kewpid commented on the word (:)
I can see an '8' in the negative space. This would actually be a really good logo for some design-ey firm.
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word robocracy
Isn't it all a matter of perspective? Why would a robot society bother to affix 'robo-' to words describing themselves, for they are the norm? In fact why would they be speaking English…
ah these are the big questions.
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word apec
Not to be confused with opec. oy vey!
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word rat king
In crowded conditions rats' tails become tangled together with dirt and excrement until they eventually fuse to become a multi-headed vermin. Gross!
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word ye
This is (was?) actually pronounced 'the'.
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word wit
“…nothing more than an incisive observation, humorously phrased and delivered with impeccable timing.”
I think its a pretty valuable attribute.
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word senior's moment
When confronted with a foaming pensioner with a trivial gripe, smother them with kindness and refer to a fictional event several weeks back that completely exonerates you. It will be written off as a senior's moment and everyone is better off.
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word boom
A favourite of Steve Jobs.
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word typhphaniii
Bogan spelling of 'Tiffany'. As on Kath & Kim.
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word figure eleven
Oh dear, this almost made coffee go through my nose.
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word womonym
I want to live in a world where any nym can love any other nym how ever they please without prejudice.
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word roflcopter
ROFL:ROFL:LOL:ROFL:ROFL
____^____
L _/ \
O ==_ \
L \___________]
I I
----------/
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word hirquitalliency
For a second there I was worried this was related to hircus.
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word bommy-knocker
This is in widespread use amongst children.
November 10, 2007
kewpid commented on the word egregious
The archaic meaning is 'outstanding'. But it has evolved to mean 'outstandingly bad'.
November 9, 2007
kewpid commented on the word gattaca
formed entirely from the base-pair letters of DNA: ACTG
November 9, 2007
kewpid commented on the word featherstonehaugh
I thought it was feston-haw.
November 9, 2007
kewpid commented on the word naughties
I'd say noughties with an 'o'.
November 8, 2007
kewpid commented on the word whelk
Also called a scungilli in the U.S.
November 8, 2007
kewpid commented on the word electile dysfunction
Or at the very least get Pelé to be a spokesperson.
November 8, 2007
kewpid commented on the word trait
The trailing t is silent.
November 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word barren
I was just providing it as an example of a very poor choice of words.
November 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word barren
To be without child.
November 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word juliet balcony
Something to do with Miss Capulet?
November 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word finger
The right part is the middle-joint which is a tad thicker. According to wikipedia.
November 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word finger
Oops, I measured along the wrong part! They're still not quite a finger wide though...
November 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word polydactyly
Of course, what is normal will differ from person to person.
November 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word finger
My finger is only 0.67" :(
November 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word juggler
He seems to only have one juggly-thing.
November 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word interrobang
If this were on my keyboard I'd be twice as efficient.
November 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word orange
blancmange?
November 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word mi goreng
Staple food of college students.
November 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word tupping
“Even now, now, very now
an old black ram is tupping your white ewe.”
– Act I, scene I Othello
November 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word tartle
To hesitate when you are introducing someone whose name you can't quite remember
November 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word oniochalasia
Retail therapy
November 5, 2007
kewpid commented on the word histrionics
cf kittens
November 5, 2007
kewpid commented on the word fungible
Usually used to describe money.
November 5, 2007
kewpid commented on the word sudoku
She probably feels the same way about Wordie :P
November 5, 2007
kewpid commented on the word lower 48
Alaska is part of the North American continent, so isn't it too a part of the "continental U.S."?
November 5, 2007
kewpid commented on the word men are from mars, women are from venus : the musical
This is quite a mouthful! Was it a success?
November 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the word feague
It ought to be pronounced feg-way.
November 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the word haitch
Maybe! This is all a bit sectarian :\
November 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the word therein
Contains the words:
November 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the word unconditional
What parental love is supposed to be.
November 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the word haitch
Yup, you ought to say the aitch in haitch so we can more easily divide the population.
November 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the word aqua regia
A mixture of concentrated hydrochloric and nitric acid that can dissolve the royal metals gold and platinum, hence "royal water".
November 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the word yogh
Ȝ
Why Men�?ies is pronounced Ming-ISS, not Men-zeez, à la the Australian PM.
November 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word haitch
A shibboleth for Catholics.
November 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word cunt
Not a listener of the Savage Lovecast are you lalala?
November 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word sui juris
Of full age and (legal) capacity.
November 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word economical
As a proportion of the total economy it is not that big, though it's certainly been on the ascendancy over the past 30 years.
November 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word fleur-de-lys
No, it is this ⚜
November 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word cupertino effect
I thought this had something to do with Apple Inc. Apparently not :(
November 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word oprah
Oprah seems easier to say that Orpah.
November 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word cards
A (probably jilted) woman once said that a man is like a deck of playing cards. You need:
A ♥ to love him;
A ♦ to marry him;
A ♣ to smash his stupid head in; and
A ♠ to bury the bastard.
November 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word monopsony
A buyer's market.
November 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the list cost
budget
November 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word economical
That's something to think about!
There's an estimated 1080 atoms, so there is a physical limit to the amount of information that can exist – in this universe at least.
November 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word saving
Saving is virtuous on a personal level, but if everyone does it at the same time, it could be perilous.
November 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word supererogation
actions believed to form a reserve fund of merit that can be drawn on by prayer in favour of sinners.
November 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word post hoc ergo propter hoc
Also employed on an episode of The West Wing.
“After it, therefore because of it. It means one thing follows the other, therefore it was caused by the other, but it's not always true. In fact, it's hardly ever true. We did not lose Texas because of the hat joke. Do you know when we lost Texas?”
— Josiah Bartlet
November 1, 2007
kewpid commented on the list kenno-s-words
try myspace ☞
November 1, 2007
kewpid commented on the word euthanasia
Sounds like 'youth in Asia'.
October 31, 2007
kewpid commented on the word existantiel
existential?
October 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word bustication
I see a lot of black boxes!
October 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word interjection
An interjection is quite often an opportunity to be rude.
October 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word illegals
A gorgeous* way of referring to asylum seekers and refugees
October 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word agrarian socialists
The clarion call of the National Party, “privatise the profits, socialise the losses.”
October 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word entrails
“Men will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.”
— Denis Diderot
October 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word allegorically
*boom-tish*
October 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word dog-whistle
Ah, but it is designed to confuse the masses. And to make them donate to the goodies to use against the baddies.
October 29, 2007
kewpid commented on the list nautical-words
keelhaul!
October 29, 2007
kewpid commented on the word umlaut
The distinction between this and the diaeresis is minor, and imho not warranted.
October 28, 2007
kewpid commented on the word restless leg syndrome
I call this typewriter leg for some reason.
October 28, 2007
kewpid commented on the word dog-whistle
Shamefully, this seems to be an Australian invention.
“…a type of political campaigning or speechmaking using coded language, which appears to mean one thing to the general population but which has a different or more specific meaning for a targeted subgroup of the audience.”
October 28, 2007
kewpid commented on the word bubble tea
I (stereotypically) drink these rather often.
October 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the list complicated-complexes
aha, not so much complicated as downright malicious.
October 24, 2007
kewpid commented on the word altar ego
Zsa Zsa Gabor!
October 23, 2007
kewpid commented on the word altar ego
Elizabeth Taylor.
October 23, 2007
kewpid commented on the word antidisestablishmentariansism
You made a typo :)
antidisestablishmentarianism
October 23, 2007
kewpid commented on the word unionise
Means completely different things (and pronounced differently) to a chemist and an economist.
October 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word casablanca
"White House"
October 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word dilettante
And what an excellent insult!
October 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word schnillion
Ah, that's the kind of recognition I crave :)
October 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word grenyarnia
A country only very rich people know about. Cf Svenborgia.
October 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word queue
"Please Q here."
October 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word effete liberals
It goes hand in hand with the general corruption of the word 'liberal' by American politics. For shame!
October 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word log
short for logarithm
October 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word prestige
The film itself was a magic trick, with a final scene that fools most viewers.
October 15, 2007
kewpid commented on the word schnillion
A very big number.
Coined by me and a friend in the 2nd grade.
October 15, 2007
kewpid commented on the word planet
“Wanderer�?
October 14, 2007
kewpid commented on the word epitomise
not me!
October 14, 2007
kewpid commented on the user john
Hello John. Is there any chance that a mobile version of Wordie is in the works?
October 13, 2007
kewpid commented on the word dink
double-income, no kids
October 12, 2007
kewpid commented on the word reflex
A broken jaw.
October 12, 2007
kewpid commented on the word kimchi
This is excellent in winter!
October 12, 2007
kewpid commented on the word todal
Absolutely. We should distinguish by pronouncing it with emphasis on the second syllable. to-DAHL.
October 12, 2007
kewpid commented on the word todal
If it's not available you could elope with Grug.
Uselessness's imagination is a dangerous thing.
October 12, 2007
kewpid commented on the word arse around tit
There's also arse about tit, variations on a theme all meaning roughly "back-to-front". The mental images are striking! I like to think that the Queen uses this sort of language in private.
October 12, 2007
kewpid commented on the word todal
If you stare long enough you can see a grumpy man face.
October 11, 2007
kewpid commented on the word todal
It looks something like this.
October 11, 2007
kewpid commented on the word nee naw
An ambulance.
October 11, 2007
kewpid commented on the word curry
Aficionados say a good curry burns twice.
October 11, 2007
kewpid commented on the word almond rocks
Cockney rhyming slang for 'socks'.
October 11, 2007
kewpid commented on the list list-about-itself
Oooh how postmodern. post-postmodern even. ;)
October 11, 2007
kewpid commented on the word compound interest
A jolly good thing to enjoy.
October 11, 2007
kewpid commented on the word moist
October 11, 2007
kewpid commented on the list remnants-of-a-catholic-childhood
That is an awfully relativist thing to say!
October 9, 2007
kewpid commented on the word slytherin
My favourite house.
October 8, 2007
kewpid commented on the list remnants-of-a-catholic-childhood
I love Biblical language. It is very powerful.
October 8, 2007
kewpid commented on the word egregious
To be outstanding.
October 8, 2007
kewpid commented on the word coy
I use this to abbreviate the word company.
October 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word political correctness
It's from the Simpsons :)
Lisa: But it's all true.
Miss Hoover: (scoffs) This is nothing but dead, white male-bashing from a PC thug. It's women like you that keep the rest of us from landing a husband.
…
Lisa: (sobbing) Ms. Hoover called me a PC Thug.
Homer: Oh Lisa, I've been called a greasy thug, too. It never stops hurting. So here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna grease ourselves up real good and trash that place with a baseball bat.
October 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word political correctness
See also greasy thug.
October 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word clippy
His ability to come back from the dead suggests he was the spawn of Jesus
October 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word svenborgia
A country only rich people know about. Cf Grenyarnia.
October 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word fcuk
It's not the pronunciation that offends some people ;)
October 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word repepperer
ahaha, that has been parodied by the Chaser boys.
October 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word border leicester
They are cool. They are less temperamental than other sheep and dual purpose, so you can wear them and eat them.
October 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word sparkle
<sparkle>magical</sparkle>
October 7, 2007
kewpid commented on the word repepperer
I imagine a lot of pepperers, are also repepperers.
October 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word jiko kanri
The Japanese art of self-management.
October 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word merino
The best damned wool in the world. Made in Australia.
October 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word cryptorchid
An animal whose descended testicles become undescended by act of human.
October 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word clippy
Vale Clippy, you shan't be missed.
October 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word callipygean
Eh, both callipygian/callipygean are accepted spellings.
October 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word antipodes
"arse end of the world"
October 6, 2007
kewpid commented on the word classitis
I'd say classitis and divitis are closely linked. It's more to do with introducing lots of redundancy into CSS, when the same effect could be achieved with less code.
Link
October 5, 2007
kewpid commented on the word moon
Not true :(
There was a full moon on 10 February 1865. February 1866 did not have a full moon. More recently, there was no full moon in February 1999. Link.
October 5, 2007
kewpid commented on the list burntsox-s-words
Ahhh, I see. It's also listed here under callipygian
October 5, 2007
kewpid commented on the list burntsox-s-words
What do you mean?
October 5, 2007
kewpid commented on the word pince-nez
They really pinch the nose.
October 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the word classitis
The overuse of classes in cascading stylesheets.
October 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the list pet-names-2
max, jake, buddy, rocky, buster, mittens, ginger, rusty, etc…
October 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the word fie
fee fie foe fum!
October 4, 2007
kewpid commented on the word verdana
I certainly do :) It's a great site.
October 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word verdana
Verdana is bold, friendly and round, and a mere tween at 12 years old. Her twin sister Tahoma is also popular and is often chosen in preference to their decidedly frumpy cousin Arial. Their ubiquitous aunt Helvetica, who's been around the block, recently celebrated her 50th. Grandpappy Times New Roman is still around doing the hard yards, and they are all proudly descended from the (capital-G) Grotesque Garamond.
October 3, 2007
kewpid commented on the word pants
A general term of annoyance.
e.g. “Aww pants!�?
October 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word solaranite
We didn't have a choice :(
October 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word corporation
“They have no soul to save, and no body to incarcerate.�?
-- Baron Thurlow
October 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word bailiwick
This word is best pronounced with a British accent.
October 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word kitchen sink
Rarely included with gadgets and other nicknacks.
October 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word typoholism
A disorder characterised by the excessive consumption of and dependence on type, leading to physical and psychological harm and impaired social and vocational functioning. (Also typographical abuse and font dependence)
October 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word crocs
I'm so "over" it.
October 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word clown
“There is nothing funny about a clown in the moonlight.�?
–– Lon Chaney, Sr.
October 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word projectile
Ah, so versatile. Everything from baby vomit to bombs.
October 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word doublespeak
A portmanteau of doublethink and newspeak.
October 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word crocs
Fashionistas think they're fugly. Especially when whole families wear them.
October 2, 2007
kewpid commented on the word vaccicide
October 1, 2007
kewpid commented on the word velocipede
This sounds like a pokemon.
October 1, 2007
kewpid commented on the word administrate
I prefer administer.
October 1, 2007
kewpid commented on the word miss moneypenny
Miss Moneycent doesn't quite have the same ring does it?
September 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word vaccicide
I certainly hope not!
September 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the list damnation
egad!
September 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word vaccicide
I agree with the sentiment though. Vegicide, now there's something we can all get behind.
September 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word manslaughter
Haha, I love black humour.
September 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word nullarbor
It is Latin for "no trees". The Nullarbor Plain is a a general area in South Australia where there is basically nothing.
September 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word manslaughter
You can't spell manslaughter without laughter
September 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word vaccicide
Cow killing :)
September 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word sisyphism
The mistaken belief that greater productivity causes poverty by increasing unemployment. (Frédéric Bastiat)
September 30, 2007
kewpid commented on the word chic
Do you prefer "shick" or "chick"? I like the former, it sounds more sophistimicated.
September 28, 2007
kewpid commented on the word chien
preferable to chats.
September 28, 2007
kewpid commented on the word apfel
As American as apfelstrudel!
September 28, 2007
kewpid commented on the word blackgosphere
It has that odd inflexion in the middle like ginkgo.
September 28, 2007
kewpid commented on the list maths-lessons-well-spent
Thanks reesetee. It turns out there are quite a lot of words that can be spelled this way.
September 27, 2007
kewpid commented on the word malarchy
prossibly through excessive malarkey.
September 26, 2007
kewpid commented on the list harry-potter-words-2
Engorgio list!
September 26, 2007
kewpid commented on the word chai
I have seen "personal PIN number". Yikes.
September 26, 2007
kewpid commented on the word acracy
Perhaps we should try it.
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the list carouselle-s-words
I thought it was the dot on the i and j ?
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word star anise
An essential ingredient in Pho.
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word ordinate
The y-coordinate
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word abscissa
The x-coordinate.
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word yksi
How is it pronounced?
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word chilver
Seriously!
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word devenustated
OED: deprived of beauty or comeliness; disfigured, deformed.
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word chai
From the Chinese word chá (茶) meaning tea. Saying "chai tea" is redundant.
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word randian
That should be Randiian to avoid confusion.
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word chilver
A ewe-lamb.
Rhymes with silver.
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word silver
alrighty then, what about chilver? ;)
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the list where-the-streets-have-a-name
circuit
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word palatino
The beautiful typeface used for this website.
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word msm
Mainstream Media. As opposed to the blogosphere
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the list the-elements
Thanks kad. That was a very neat idea.
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word roentgenium
formerly known by the placeholder name unununium
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word francium
add this to water for much fun.
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word randian
Perhaps there was something about her personal habits that was randian, but not objectivist.
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word silver
except maybe Denver.
September 25, 2007
kewpid commented on the word stagflation
The dubious honour of increasing inflation and unemployment, such as during the 1970s oil shocks.
September 24, 2007
kewpid commented on the word externality
In an efficient free market, any factor not encapsulated in the price mechanism is an "externality". e.g. the pollution produced by a firm (negative externality), the pollination of a neighbouring orchard by bees (positive externality).
September 24, 2007
kewpid commented on the word terra nullius
The concept of “no man's land�?, denying land rights to indigenous Australians. Was overturned in Mabo
September 24, 2007
kewpid commented on the word efficient
efficient and sex would seem to be oxymoronic, though the Germans are said to be efficient lovers.
September 24, 2007
kewpid commented on the word noice
This pronunciation is also ascribed to the nouveau riche in the outer suburbs à la Kath and Kim.
September 24, 2007
kewpid commented on the word chelsea tractor
In Melbourne and Sydney: toorak tractor and vaucluse tractor respectively.
September 24, 2007
kewpid commented on the word randian
To do with Ms. Objectivism, Ayn Rand.
September 23, 2007
kewpid commented on the word randian
Not to be confused with randy
September 23, 2007
kewpid commented on the word exiguous
This word always makes me think of Sir Humphrey.
September 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word sophiology
The study of wisdom?
September 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word mnemotechnics
mmm… silent m.
September 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word moccaccino
I think both spellings are acceptable, although mochaccino seems to be more prevalent.
September 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word glebe
I had always assumed this was just somebody's name. The actual etymology is much more interesting.
September 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word cub
Round these here parts, this means cashed-up bogan :P
September 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the list a-modern-herbal
There's also fun-to-say ginkgo.
September 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the list new-south-wales-towns-that-are-aboriginal-words
Yes, I am. It's a nice little country :)
September 22, 2007
kewpid commented on the word latte
In Italy, you would simply get a glass of milk.
September 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word nutella
That's what the advertising says. Surely they wouldn't lie to me?
September 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word fabulist
A fabulous word list
September 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word sodding
bowdlerized form of fucking
September 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word hypochondriac
That'd be thinking you're fine when you're really sick? Isn't that most guys? I certainly avoid the doctor if possible
September 21, 2007
kewpid commented on the word nutella
less sugar than jam, and less fat than peanut butter.
September 20, 2007
kewpid commented on the list favourite-fonts
Thanks palooka!
September 20, 2007
kewpid commented on the word fallacy
There ain't no fallacy like a logical fallacy
September 19, 2007
kewpid commented on the word negligence
No, reesetee is right :)
negligee: literally, ‘given little thought or attention’
September 19, 2007
kewpid commented on the word gay
But the child that is born
on the Sabbath day is…
bonnie and blythe
and good and gay.
September 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word aliunde
Indeed. e.g. The meaning of a will can be gained from evidence aliunde
September 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word xenophile
Better than a xenophobe
September 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word price
A cynic is one who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing
September 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the list adjectives-that-used-to-be-people
Thatcherite
September 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word capital
The basis of society
September 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word arbitrage
Money gained by rent-seekers and other unproductive people
September 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word subpoena
Literally, “under punishment” (of the court)
September 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word negligence
Boon of lawyers and bane of society.
September 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word headnote
Saviour of law students across the globe.
September 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word blackletter
“It is seldom that a case in our time savors so much of the black letter, but the course of decisions in New York renders it unavailable…”
– Jackson ex dem Bradford v. Huntington, 30 U.S. 402, 432 (1831)
September 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word aliunde
"from another place"
September 18, 2007
kewpid commented on the word obstreperous
Unruly or difficult to control
September 17, 2007
kewpid commented on the word velour
“Leela, it's real velour. Just let yourself go.”
July 29, 2007
kewpid commented on the word keynesian
Of or relating to John Maynard Keynes or his economic theories.
July 28, 2007
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