"...in 2001 editors placed a fake word in the New Oxford American Dictionary as a trap for other lexicographers who might steal their material. Fittingly, the word was esquivalience, “the willful avoidance of one’s official responsibilities; the shirking of duties.”
Sure enough, the word turned up at Dictionary.com (it’s since been taken down), citing Webster’s New Millennium Dictionary.
And as with Agloe, the invention has taken on a life of its own. NOAD editor Christine Lindberg, who coined esquivalience, told the Chicago Tribune that she finds herself using it regularly. “I especially like the critical, judgmental tone I can get out of it: ‘Those esquivalient little wretches.’ Sounds literate and nasty all in one breath. I like that."
That makes sense....however, you also go *against* the flow and there's great profit in that. So many Wordies fit that blessed category and it's what melded us all together in the early days One of the most important benefits, REALLY, for me, was the realization that I hardly matched the aggrandized self-image I had about my own language 'genius' I'd attributed to myself; I've been humbled and I'm grateful for it..
fb - you're pretty damn prolific! :o) I'll police these up in due time. Thanks. Some of your suggestions are, for me, more esoteric/obscure to rate inclusion (e.g., 'po') but, just so you know, I'm admiring your erudition.
AH!! Broke the code and found the comment box. Thanks,, fjharjo for all your suggestions for my words-within-words list.. I had no doubt that I'd strike a Wordie between the eyes and I added most of your suggestions. Part of my not opening the list up to everybody was my private quest to search out appropriate words during those sleepless hours in the night to give the mind-maw something to do until falling back into slumberland.. Again, thanks, Wordie-amigo! :o)
References Howard Nemerov w/r/t a poem about being 6 months behind a natural phenomenon (like fall leaves) -- Nemerov came up with the word "azaleate," which means to commiserate with someone who missed the phenomenon --Billy Collins - interview
Aviation slang for one who has made a transoceanic flight. (according to NPR's *Says You* - I hadn't heard the term before but decided to include it in my list)
@shari. I simply have wordnik.com/community bookmarked and have no problem accessing the site. I note that your profile is private so I was unable to comment there directly. I don't know if that adds any complication to your access or not. Anyway, good luck and enjoy our Wordie community.
Connecticut kids were called pumpkin heads because cut pumpkins were used as a guide for cutting hair; the original "bowl cut" (heard on NPR's Says You)
Some of the pines in my area: Sugar pine (a 5-needle pine holding largest cone title - by length. Also my favorite pine), Coulter pine ("big cone pine" holding title of largest cone by mass), Digger pine (named for the "Digger" indians who harvested its large seeds)
The wing-tip device makes the wing more efficient by inhibiting the natural flow of air from the high pressure area below the wing to the low pressure area above the wing. This high-to-low flow is what generates the dangerous wing-tip vortex which can upset aircraft in the wake of the generating aircraft.
"...There are many drawbacks to the use of the word 'consciousness.' In the first place it is used in half a dozen different senses by philosophers and psychologists, and in the second place it suffers from the great drawback that it has no active verbal form. One can say 'to be conscious of' but not 'to conscious' such-and-such an object. There is the word 'awareness' and the dubious coined derivative 'awaring,' which I have also occasionally pressed into service, but it is ugly and not very current. The best term is one that was coined by E. D. Fawcett in his The World as Imagination, Zermatt Dialogues, etc. The term in question is consciring – i.e. “knowing together” - and has as its correlative, for the content-form, the word conscitum (plural, conscita. I should certainly have availed myself of these coinages but, unfortunately, they are not as yet sufficiently widely current to be generally understood and, moreover, a great deal of the book had been written before I came across Fawcett's writings..."
--From Sri Krishna Prem’s “The Yoga of the Bhavagad Gita”: APPENDIX A – NOTE ON THE TERMS CONSCIOUSNESS AND FORM
Contranymic in the sense of resolve = firmness and resolve = to ease, soften, as a problem. Also one of the bi-sonics: solve again v. determination, firmness..
I added orp to my potpourri II list and the page still shows "orp has not been added to any list yet" although I verified that it is in fact on my list. Ditto for destinated
Illinois State University mathematician Phil Grizzard points out that a person born on Nov. 30, 1999, is a “stopwatch baby” — the date always displays her age in months, days, and years. For example, today, 5/4/12, such a person has been alive for 5 months, 4 days, and 12 years. (Europeans can swap the month and day — the principle still works.)
A caveat: In December we must “make change” by setting the month to 0 and adding 1 to the year. So this Christmas, 12/25/12, a stopwatch baby will be 0/25/13 — 0 months, 25 days, and 13 years old.
So, the feedback page is otiose? 'Zu, are you able to create pronunciations? I'm having no luck at all. Is it broke? Can we access pronunciations of old?
General Australian. From 1908 (AND). Attested in numerous sources.
In Australian English, this is often used in the combination ‘fair dinkum’ as well, which was current from 1890 (AND), meaning ‘fair play’; and ‘dinkum oil’ meaning ‘genuine information’.
How about a word for the feeling or sensation when seeing a common word where it suddenly seems strange and unaccountable? Had that happen once with the word maid! Gotta be one of them déjà-type words, me thinks.
In an unsuccessful fox hunt, to assuage the down spirits of the hunters the leader of the hunt would pick out a steeple seen in the distance and issue the challenge of a race to it among the riders. A sort of "last one there is a rotten egg!" dare. --Heard on NPR's Says You.
A David Foster Wallace-ism. To wit: "Meredith Rand is one of only a handful of females at the REC that every male with an opinion on such matters agrees is totally, wrist-bitingly attractive." --The Pale King p.447
The following is related by an eminent naturalist: ‘A young lady was sitting in a room adjoining a poultry yard, where chickens, ducks and geese were disporting themselves. A drake came in, approached the lady, seized the bottom of her dress with his beak, and pulled it vigorously. Feeling startled, she repulsed him with her hand. The bird still persisted. Somewhat astonished, she paid some attention to this unaccountable pantomime, and discovered that the drake wished to drag her out of doors. She got up, and he waddled out quietly before her. More and more surprised, she followed him, and he conducted her to the side of a pond where she perceived a duck with its head caught in the opening of a sluice. She hastened to release the poor creature and restored it to the drake, who by loud quackings and beating of his wings testified his joy at the deliverance of his companion.’
– Ballou’s Monthly Magazine, May 1870 (via futilitycloset.com)
Most of us can testify to it. After two or three heaping portions of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and Waldorf salad you’re bursting at the seams. You’re so sated that you had to discretely place a crumpled napkin over that uneaten turkey wing on your plate. --Ingrid Spilde
n. “A bright appearance in the horizon, under the sun or moon, arising from the reflected light of these bodies from the small rippling waves on the surface of the water”
(Nathaniel Bowditch, The New American Practical Navigator, 1837) --via futilitycloset.com
Well, it appears that I can't add words to my "potpourri" list; not at the list page or the word page (with checkmark). Jesus Cristo y Madre de Dios!
Edit: Doh! I was trying to add a word that was already on that list (toothsome). Still, what produced the confusion in the first place is that the word page for toothsome shows no checkmark in my potpourri list box. And that's still the case: no checkmark, but I've verified it's on the list at the list page. Go figure! :o/
“People are never so ready to believe you as when you say things in dispraise of yourself; and you are never so much annoyed as when they take you at your word.” --Somerset Maugham (Notebooks)
How do I access my recent comments? Try as I might, all I can access is comments from the first two weeks of my presence on Wordie. There is no "continue to next page" option.
Erin, is the translate feature going to make a comeback eventually? And is the font size in the comment box while entering and/or editing comments going to remain so tiny?
Comment function is intermittent. The whole site is abominably slow. Edit: comment option works, but EXTREMELY slowly. Ditto for edit option; or it seems to work only intermittently.
I agree with Pro and frogapplause: the site really has the feel of reference emphasis. I miss the "first listed by" and other such personalizing features. Another thing that strikes me, although it may be transitory, is surprisingly long wait times.
It would be nice to have the option, on the word page (in addition to adding the word) to delete a word from one's list as opposed to having to go to the list page and deleting it there. Or am I overlooking something?
Fear of cockroaches. Got a kinda nice ring to it, no? Heard on NPR's Weekend Edition in an interview with Amy Stewart on her new book Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon's Army & Other Diabolical Insects.
You know how your gas tank fuel indicator stays at or above "full" for a seemingly inordinate amount of time? That's what engineers call "full reserve." Same thing at the "empty" end of the range; would that be an "empty reserve?"
Movie trailers (previews) used to come at the end of the film (hence the name) but that practice was abandoned because nobody stuck around to watch 'em! This, according to NPR's Says You.
The gesture made with the index and little fingers raised while the thumb holds down the middle and ring fingers. The sign of the horns - symbolic of the "evil eye".
From the police blotter of the SLO (San Luis Obispo, CA) City News, March 10-16 2011:
Alcohol: Police responded at 12:41 a.m. to the Native Lounge on the 1100 block of Chorro St. after one of the natives got restless and rough. He was arrested for suspicion of being bent in public. Another ruckus broke out at 1:37 a.m. at Mo Tav, just around the corner on the 700 block of Higuera St. There, a belle of the ball was arrested for being crapulous."
From the police blotter of the SLO (San Luis Obispo, CA) City News, March 10-16 2011:
"Theft: Police were called at 5:17 P.M. to the 700 block of Higuera St. at Fanny Wrappers Lingerie shop for a reported shoplifting. No word on the booty that was pinched."
"A friend’s young son (4 or 5) was asking her about “you know, the guys who like women, but they like to look good, too.” She very bravely took him up on it and explained that such men were called “metrosexuals.” He thought for a moment and then said, “So the guys who like guys… what are they? Hobosexuals?” She was driving at the time and is still amazed she didn’t run off the road from laughing so hard. Of course, the funny thing is, apparently there really are gay hobos who refer to themselves as “Hobosexuals.” Who knew?"
(Comment by "Prospero" on Dan Piraro's--"Bizarro" cartoonist-- blog)
Heard on NPR's Says You - a bon mot by one of the panelists (in re: to the word tussie-mussie - i.e., presented to mollify a fussy hussy), and I just like it.
The consummate craft of Foley. All those little and big sounds in the movie you're watching have to be recreated from a vast storehouse of typical junkdrawer, wardrobe and miscellaneous paraphernalia. Fascinating! It'll enhance your appreciation of the film industry.
Well, nothing comes to mind other than the standards: "cheated death"; "almost bought the farm"; "used one of his nine lives" "bit a hole in the pilot seat" (with his you know what) etc. Not all that inspired, but I hope it helps...
Modernity comes to China: Religious teachers must now fill out a government application before they can be reincarnated.The decree, passed in 2007, requires that applications be submitted to four different government bodies.“The selection of reincarnates must preserve national unity and solidarity of all ethnic groups, and the selection process cannot be influenced by any group or individual from outside the country.” (via futilitycloset.com)
In the old days, saloon and bar owners offered a free lunch to patrons who spent a requisite time drinking in their establishment, hoping they would get so drunk they'd forget they never got their free lunch. It was adjudged as unfair advertising by the authorities of the era. (via NPR's Says You)
I'm astounded I didn't discover this page 4 years ago and expose a limited chapter of my past. I played accordion as a kid *and* I played in an accordion band. We played on a float in the Santa Barbara Fiesta Parade as well as other public venues for a number of years and appeared on the local TV station,KEYT, on several occasions. A few of the members could play 12th Street Rag with the bellow shake and were awe inspiring to the rest of us hacks.
Thanks again, ruzuzu. Tuck-out's new to me. tuck in always meant to sit down and "dig in" to a meal with enthusiastic appetite; didn't realize tuck-out was the same. Course, little Jack Horner tuck-in his thumb and tuck-out a plum, don'tcha know! :o)
Yah, didn't know him but enjoyed his version; you've been a fan for a while? Thing I like about the Perla arrangement is the repeated, harmonic descending arpeggio background to the piece. It's unique in my experience...and works on me like an anvil of mercy.
'Zu, I changed the link. THIS is my very favorite arrangement, just didn't know it was up on YouTube. The version I have on iTunes by Perla Batalla is done with a quartet of acoustic guitars. Beautiful!!
The cuccuruddu ruzuzu made me think of that extremely beautiful Mexican song Cucurrucucu Paloma. Check it out, 'zu! Always makes me misty eyed when I hear it...
"Nathaniel had his reasons for his journey to Rhyolite, the greatest boom town in the west. He hoped to find what the snallygaster had taken from him. Some believed it could snatch away whatever you most valued. It had taken Annabelle, the love of his life. Now he was here in Rhyolite, to make his fortune, reunite with Annabelle--and to find the man he murdered back in Baltimore."
Comments by oroboros
Show previous 200 comments...
oroboros commented on the word dransle
A social gathering that turns ugly according to NPR's Says You.
May 3, 2014
oroboros commented on the word snool
The urban dictionary has a rather racy definition which I doubt is in the OED.
April 25, 2014
oroboros commented on the word pleonase
To talk too much; use too many words, according to NPR's Says You.
April 19, 2014
oroboros commented on the word hangry
Heard used on NPR morning edition segment today (4/15/14) about effects of low blood sugar on marital discord.
April 15, 2014
oroboros commented on the word slough
A cartoon comment on slough.
April 9, 2014
oroboros commented on the word cucumber
A pertinent cartoon opinion
March 28, 2014
oroboros commented on the word lygeraste
One who prefers one's romance in the dark, according to NPR's Says You.
March 22, 2014
oroboros commented on the word wyzenbeek
A unit of measure of the amount of wear on the upholstery one's pants are creating. This, according to NPR's Says You.
March 22, 2014
oroboros commented on the word dove
Some dove humor.
March 4, 2014
oroboros commented on the word dove
The Mourning Dove's call (oooo,oooo,oo) is the Morse Code equivalent of 'R': dah dah dit.
March 4, 2014
oroboros commented on the word frickle
A bushel basket, according to NPR's Says You.
March 1, 2014
oroboros commented on the word maillard reaction
Maillard Reaction. Also, see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maillard_reaction">Wiki article</a>.
February 21, 2014
oroboros commented on the word clepe
See also yclept.
February 15, 2014
oroboros commented on the word esquivalient
"...in 2001 editors placed a fake word in the New Oxford American Dictionary as a trap for other lexicographers who might steal their material. Fittingly, the word was esquivalience, “the willful avoidance of one’s official responsibilities; the shirking of duties.”
Sure enough, the word turned up at Dictionary.com (it’s since been taken down), citing Webster’s New Millennium Dictionary.
And as with Agloe, the invention has taken on a life of its own. NOAD editor Christine Lindberg, who coined esquivalience, told the Chicago Tribune that she finds herself using it regularly. “I especially like the critical, judgmental tone I can get out of it: ‘Those esquivalient little wretches.’ Sounds literate and nasty all in one breath. I like that."
From futilitycloset.com
February 9, 2014
oroboros commented on the word illiterate
ill+iter+ate
February 5, 2014
oroboros commented on the word dishwasher
Dish+was+her. An aside: washer contains 'she' and 'her' with a shared 'he'.
February 4, 2014
oroboros commented on the word codology
The act of pulling someone's leg, according to NPR's Says You.
February 1, 2014
oroboros commented on the word bitser
English schoolboy slang for a mixed-breed dog, according to NPR's Says You.
February 1, 2014
oroboros commented on the word manzil
Futilitycloset.com lists it as "the distance between two stopping places". The webpage also has a neat puzzle related to the word. Check it out.
January 31, 2014
oroboros commented on the word tabnabs
Pastries or cakes baked on board a ship according to NPR's i>Says You
January 25, 2014
oroboros commented on the word sneap
To repress into silence according to NPR's Says You.
January 18, 2014
oroboros commented on the word widdiful
Someone who deserves to be hanged according to NPR's Says You
January 11, 2014
oroboros commented on the word are
Modern art? Crossword puzzle clue.
January 11, 2014
oroboros commented on the word pinkletank
A very young frog; a "peeper", according to NPR's Says You.
January 4, 2014
oroboros commented on the word plexing
Buying one ticket for a movie in a multiplex theater and then sneaking into additional shows. Heard on NPR's <i>Says You</i>.
January 4, 2014
oroboros commented on the word Chapman
Words within words: Chapman contains synonyms chap and man.
December 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word tuffifie
To lay a bottle on its side to empty it completely according to NPR's Says You.
December 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word oro
Words within words: Spanish word for 'gold' contains synonyms: the English 'or' and the Spanish word for 'or' -- 'o'.
December 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word participate
Words within words: Par+tic+i+pate, and interestingly: part+ici+pate, which contains 'ici' the French word meaning 'here'..
December 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word obacerate
To get the last word. (according to NPR's Says You)
December 14, 2013
oroboros commented on the word feddle
A favorite, a favored person; teacher's pet. --NPR's Says You
December 14, 2013
oroboros commented on the word caffeinstein
The ingredient in coffee that makes you smarter! God help decaf drinkers...
December 6, 2013
oroboros commented on the word buyagra
What fuels Black Friday. Neologism heard on NPR's Morning Edition.
November 29, 2013
oroboros commented on the user fbharjo
That makes sense....however, you also go *against* the flow and there's great profit in that. So many Wordies fit that blessed category and it's what melded us all together in the early days One of the most important benefits, REALLY, for me, was the realization that I hardly matched the aggrandized self-image I had about my own language 'genius' I'd attributed to myself; I've been humbled and I'm grateful for it..
November 25, 2013
oroboros commented on the user fbharjo
fb - you're pretty damn prolific! :o) I'll police these up in due time. Thanks. Some of your suggestions are, for me, more esoteric/obscure to rate inclusion (e.g., 'po') but, just so you know, I'm admiring your erudition.
November 25, 2013
oroboros commented on the word about
What the hell was that all about?
November 25, 2013
oroboros commented on the user fbharjo
AH!! Broke the code and found the comment box. Thanks,, fjharjo for all your suggestions for my words-within-words list.. I had no doubt that I'd strike a Wordie between the eyes and I added most of your suggestions. Part of my not opening the list up to everybody was my private quest to search out appropriate words during those sleepless hours in the night to give the mind-maw something to do until falling back into slumberland.. Again, thanks, Wordie-amigo! :o)
November 23, 2013
oroboros commented on the list words-within-words
Thanks, fbharjo, alexz and bilby for your suggestions.
November 23, 2013
oroboros commented on the list autantonyms
Thanks, danama. Those work!
November 23, 2013
oroboros commented on the word parallax
par all ax
November 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word together
to get her
November 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word seethe
see the
November 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word panache
pan ache
November 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word pertinacity
pert in a city
November 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the list frogapplause-suitcase
Me too.
November 20, 2013
oroboros commented on the word imprison
Kangaroo word with Joey PIN -- imPrIsoN
November 18, 2013
oroboros commented on the word innuendo
If you don't have a screen you'll get flies innuendo. The Barn
November 10, 2013
oroboros commented on the word rinkafadda
An Irish dance resembling a Virginia Reel.
November 2, 2013
oroboros commented on the word shortzy
A nomadic Tatar tribe of western Siberia
November 2, 2013
oroboros commented on the word slackademic
A perpetual student; one who stays in school to avoid the work-a-day world.
November 2, 2013
oroboros commented on the word lei
Growth ring?
November 2, 2013
oroboros commented on the word azaleate
References Howard Nemerov w/r/t a poem about being 6 months behind a natural phenomenon (like fall leaves) -- Nemerov came up with the word "azaleate," which means to commiserate with someone who missed the phenomenon --Billy Collins - interview
October 31, 2013
oroboros commented on the word chick-a-dee-dee-dee
@reesetee - also the mountain chickadee.
October 4, 2013
oroboros commented on the word rock bottom dollar bill
Heard on NPR's Says You
September 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word moral support hose down
Heard on NPR's Says You
September 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word fireplace poker face plant
Heard on NPR's Says You
September 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word charitable foundation garment district
Heard on NPR's Says You
September 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word paper boy toy box
Heard on NPR's Says You
September 21, 2013
oroboros commented on the word meecher
A sneaky dishonest kid according to NPR's Says You.
September 7, 2013
oroboros commented on the word midden
As defined on NPR's Says You: a pile of nuts collected by a squirrel.
August 10, 2013
oroboros commented on the word melodioanagramaticism
..."Liam asked, 'How rare is that -- being able to sing backwards?'
It's pretty freakish, it has a name. It's called *melodicanagramaticism*. It's a brain wiring quirk, like Tourette's ..."
--"Eleanor Rigby" by Douglas Coupland, p. 146
August 1, 2013
oroboros commented on the user erinmckean
Hi Erin - how come the HTML doesn't work anymore? Viz.: this is not in italics despite the appropriate code. Is the problem with my machine?
July 20, 2013
oroboros commented on the word sharklet
See winglet.
July 20, 2013
oroboros commented on the word winglet
Called a sharklet by the Europeans (Airbus).
July 20, 2013
oroboros commented on the word short snorter
Aviation slang for one who has made a transoceanic flight. (according to NPR's *Says You* - I hadn't heard the term before but decided to include it in my list)
July 20, 2013
oroboros commented on the word madsoot
Absurdly, ridiculously happy. Heard on NPR's *Says You*.
July 20, 2013
oroboros commented on the word longtongue
A gossip. Heard on NPR's Says You.
July 20, 2013
oroboros commented on the word cloud computing
Using your laptop in an airplane? http://assets.amuniversal.com/756cbcf0abbd0130d87a001dd8b71c47 (Wiley's Dictionary)
June 11, 2013
oroboros commented on the user willf
Thanks for your suggestion on my autoantonym list. Added.
June 3, 2013
oroboros commented on the user danama
Thanks for your suggestion on my autoantonym list. I added it.
June 3, 2013
oroboros commented on the user Gonyon
See discussion under imperience.
May 25, 2013
oroboros commented on the word beg the question
Circular reasoning: http://www.arcamax.com/newspics/72/7285/728560.gif
May 25, 2013
oroboros commented on the word DBEYR
Texting shortcut for "don't believe everything you read".
May 24, 2013
oroboros commented on the word dbeyr
Texting shortcut for "don't believe everything you read".
May 24, 2013
oroboros commented on the word taradiddle
Hanky panky at the old ancestral home?
May 18, 2013
oroboros commented on the word nisgul
The smallest and least healthy bird in the nest (according to NPR's *Says You*).
May 4, 2013
oroboros commented on the word tege
A sheep that's never been sheared.(according to NPR's *Says You*).
May 4, 2013
oroboros commented on the word flourit
Birth and death dates of a life, say on a gravestone (according to NPR's *Says You*)
May 4, 2013
oroboros commented on the word frontier
Clever crossword clue "back to front?" for "ier" entry.
May 1, 2013
oroboros commented on the word circular palindrome
Nice analysis, ry. Above and beyond the call of duty; good work.
April 30, 2013
oroboros commented on the word trailblazer
Formal junglewear (from Wiley's Dictionary - B.C. Comics)
April 30, 2013
oroboros commented on the word circular palindrome
See sensuousnesses.
April 30, 2013
oroboros commented on the word sensuousnesses
A circular palindrome. Image and explanation at this website: http://www.futilitycloset.com/2013/04/27/roundabout/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FutilityCloset+%28Futility+Closet%29
April 30, 2013
oroboros commented on the user oroboros
@shari. I simply have wordnik.com/community bookmarked and have no problem accessing the site. I note that your profile is private so I was unable to comment there directly. I don't know if that adds any complication to your access or not. Anyway, good luck and enjoy our Wordie community.
April 20, 2013
oroboros commented on the word icicle
Eavesdropper? (crossword puzzle clue/answer)
April 20, 2013
oroboros commented on the word oxoboxo
@fbharjo: Also a river.
April 17, 2013
oroboros commented on the user madmouth
Pleased to introduce you to Futility Closet. A ton of interesting stuff there that I imagine you're discovering on your own. Cheerio!
April 16, 2013
oroboros commented on the word puppylust
Attributed to P.J. Casteel here.
April 16, 2013
oroboros commented on the word apocatastasis
Attributed to Allen Ginsberg here.
April 16, 2013
oroboros commented on the word zoomie
Nickname for a USAF Academy graduate. Also, if I remember correctly, the term for a U.S. Coast Guard pilot.
April 16, 2013
oroboros commented on the word zoombie
Attributed to Shiela Heldenbrand here.
April 16, 2013
oroboros commented on the word cosmicpolitan
Attributed to Morty Sklar here.
April 16, 2013
oroboros commented on the word underwhere
Attributed to Carol DeLugach here.
April 16, 2013
oroboros commented on the word cerealism
Attributed to Fletcher Copp here.
April 16, 2013
oroboros commented on the word borken
"Broken" broken? (attributed to: Keith Abbott here. Also see bork)
April 16, 2013
oroboros commented on the user dfw2008
Hey! Congrats on your Gravity's Rainbow list mention. Pinchon: an amazing wordsmith. Now go to work on David Foster Wallace. :o)
April 10, 2013
oroboros commented on the word pumpkin head
Connecticut kids were called pumpkin heads because cut pumpkins were used as a guide for cutting hair; the original "bowl cut" (heard on NPR's Says You)
March 30, 2013
oroboros commented on the word pulvanar
A cushioned bleacher seat (according to NPR's Says You)
March 9, 2013
oroboros commented on the word natkins
A foul aroma (according to NPR's Says You)
March 9, 2013
oroboros commented on the word guest
See comment under host.
March 4, 2013
oroboros commented on the word host
Host is the Czech word for guest according to futilitycloset.com.
March 4, 2013
oroboros commented on the word tzot
Guatemalan head covering. (according to Says You)
March 2, 2013
oroboros commented on the word khaki
What you use to start the car in Boston? (thanks to NPR's Says You)
February 23, 2013
oroboros commented on the list trees
Some of the pines in my area: Sugar pine (a 5-needle pine holding largest cone title - by length. Also my favorite pine), Coulter pine ("big cone pine" holding title of largest cone by mass), Digger pine (named for the "Digger" indians who harvested its large seeds)
February 9, 2013
oroboros commented on the word broadcast
An all female theatre production. (from Wiley's Dictionary, B.C. Comic)
February 9, 2013
oroboros commented on the list quandary
Neat list, trivet! How 'bout puzzlement? If I remember correctly, Yul Brenner used it in a new way in The King and I.
February 8, 2013
oroboros commented on the word ombrophobous
How about umbrellaphilic?
February 5, 2013
oroboros commented on the word seigniorage
I wonder if this word has anything in common with agio?
February 5, 2013
oroboros commented on the list word-chemistry
Good work, Tank. T(h)anks! :o)
February 4, 2013
oroboros commented on the word alone
Al - O - Ne (aluminum, oxygen, neon)
February 2, 2013
oroboros commented on the word barbie
Ba - Rb - I - E (barium, rubidium, iodine, einsteinium)
February 2, 2013
oroboros commented on the word waste
W - As - Te (tungsten, arsenic, tellurium)
February 2, 2013
oroboros commented on the word harp
H - Ar - P (hydrogen, argon, phosphorus).
February 2, 2013
oroboros commented on the word knife
K - Ni - Fe (potassium, nickel, iron)
February 2, 2013
oroboros commented on the word cabotin
A medical quack. (according to NPR's Says You)
February 2, 2013
oroboros commented on the word engagement
An autantonym: Military battle vs. marital accord.
January 26, 2013
oroboros commented on the word jerque
To examine the papers of a ship to discover a smuggling operation. (according to NPR's Says You)
January 26, 2013
oroboros commented on the word ambivert
Ambiverts make the best sales-types; they can listen as well as be proactive in their sales interactions. Heard on NPR's Weekend Edition.
January 1, 2013
oroboros commented on the word swath
I've heard the British pronunciation ("swaythe") many times and in different venues; often enough that I'm going to put it in my 'Bi-sonic' list.
December 20, 2012
oroboros commented on the word nunu
The early chaos that formed the world, according to NPR's Says You.
November 17, 2012
oroboros commented on the word winglet
The wing-tip device makes the wing more efficient by inhibiting the natural flow of air from the high pressure area below the wing to the low pressure area above the wing. This high-to-low flow is what generates the dangerous wing-tip vortex which can upset aircraft in the wake of the generating aircraft.
October 18, 2012
oroboros commented on the word knickknackatory
A toy store. (via NPR's Says You)
September 1, 2012
oroboros commented on the user paper_airplane
Thanks for your input, p_a. Added.
August 11, 2012
oroboros commented on the word chang
Tibetan beer. (according to NPR's Says You)
July 28, 2012
oroboros commented on the word consciring
"...There are many drawbacks to the use of the word 'consciousness.' In the first place it is used in half a dozen different senses by philosophers and psychologists, and in the second place it suffers from the great drawback that it has no active verbal form. One can say 'to be conscious of' but not 'to conscious' such-and-such an object. There is the word 'awareness' and the dubious coined derivative 'awaring,' which I have also occasionally pressed into service, but it is ugly and not very current. The best term is one that was coined by E. D. Fawcett in his The World as Imagination, Zermatt Dialogues, etc. The term in question is consciring – i.e. “knowing together” - and has as its correlative, for the content-form, the word conscitum (plural, conscita. I should certainly have availed myself of these coinages but, unfortunately, they are not as yet sufficiently widely current to be generally understood and, moreover, a great deal of the book had been written before I came across Fawcett's writings..."
--From Sri Krishna Prem’s “The Yoga of the Bhavagad Gita”: APPENDIX A – NOTE ON THE TERMS CONSCIOUSNESS AND FORM
July 27, 2012
oroboros commented on the word resolve
Contranymic in the sense of resolve = firmness and resolve = to ease, soften, as a problem. Also one of the bi-sonics: solve again v. determination, firmness..
July 8, 2012
oroboros commented on the word hard
HARD: Employed, as “I hard him to do the job.” Also a man’s name, as “Mah wife’s a cousin of Hard Hughes.”
July 2, 2012
oroboros commented on the word prayed
PRAYED: A large public procession, usually including a marching band. “That was some prayed they had downtown.”
July 2, 2012
oroboros commented on the word toad
TOAD: The past tense of tell. “Ah toad you never to do that.”
July 2, 2012
oroboros commented on the word rule
RULE: Nonurban, as “He comes from the rule area.”
July 2, 2012
oroboros commented on the word forced
FORCED: A large group of trees, as “Lemme showya mah pine forced.”
July 2, 2012
oroboros commented on the word lowered barn
An English poet (1788 - 1824).
July 2, 2012
oroboros commented on the word pepsis
As the plural of cola brand Pepsi, this word qualifies for my bi-sonics list.
June 28, 2012
oroboros commented on the user feedback
I added orp to my potpourri II list and the page still shows "orp has not been added to any list yet" although I verified that it is in fact on my list. Ditto for destinated
June 17, 2012
oroboros commented on the word palm potato
http://www.bizarrocomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/bizarro-06-10-12-WEB.jpg
June 10, 2012
oroboros commented on the word podsnappery
The inability to accept bad news (via NPR's Says You)
June 9, 2012
oroboros commented on the word codename
@ ruzuzu: Très whimsical. Love it!
June 2, 2012
oroboros commented on the word pernoctate
See pernoctation.
June 1, 2012
oroboros commented on the word rort
According to NPR's Says You: a rowdy party or celebration.
May 19, 2012
oroboros commented on the word guetapens
An ambush; attack. Heard on NPR's Says You.
May 19, 2012
oroboros commented on the word hugaboo
Pomposity (according to NPR's Says You)
May 12, 2012
oroboros commented on the word stopwatch baby
Illinois State University mathematician Phil Grizzard points out that a person born on Nov. 30, 1999, is a “stopwatch baby” — the date always displays her age in months, days, and years. For example, today, 5/4/12, such a person has been alive for 5 months, 4 days, and 12 years. (Europeans can swap the month and day — the principle still works.)
A caveat: In December we must “make change” by setting the month to 0 and adding 1 to the year. So this Christmas, 12/25/12, a stopwatch baby will be 0/25/13 — 0 months, 25 days, and 13 years old.
--via futilitycloset.com
May 5, 2012
oroboros commented on the word tsumommy
A force of nature to be reckoned with indeed! (via Baby Blues comic strip 4/26/12)
April 26, 2012
oroboros commented on the user ruzuzu
Huh! Can't even make the pronunciations play at "hot dog"....go figure. ACK!
April 25, 2012
oroboros commented on the user ruzuzu
So, the feedback page is otiose? 'Zu, are you able to create pronunciations? I'm having no luck at all. Is it broke? Can we access pronunciations of old?
April 25, 2012
oroboros commented on the word nyctograph
Instrument invented by Lewis Carroll for writing in the dark while still half asleep.
March 31, 2012
oroboros commented on the word shining wit
A wonderful spoonerism.
March 31, 2012
oroboros commented on the word carte blanche
Oh lordy, 'zu. Now I'm infected too! *arrgh* :o)
March 24, 2012
oroboros commented on the word dinkum oil
Dinkum Good, genuine, honest.
General Australian. From 1908 (AND). Attested in numerous sources.
In Australian English, this is often used in the combination ‘fair dinkum’ as well, which was current from 1890 (AND), meaning ‘fair play’; and ‘dinkum oil’ meaning ‘genuine information’.
--Source here
March 24, 2012
oroboros commented on the user ruzuzu
Thanks, 'zu. I probably would have found it eventually if I'd spent more time. Cheers!
March 16, 2012
oroboros commented on the list tunie-helplessly-hoping
Huh! Thanx fbharjo and ruzuzu; tried to go to your profile pages and say it but...huh! I'm a dope or, uh, something....
March 16, 2012
oroboros commented on the word semantic satiation
Thanks, 'zu. But this can come about w/o repetition in my experience. I guess it belongs in the category of brain fart? :o)
February 27, 2012
oroboros commented on the list lost-for-word
How about a word for the feeling or sensation when seeing a common word where it suddenly seems strange and unaccountable? Had that happen once with the word maid! Gotta be one of them déjà-type words, me thinks.
February 27, 2012
oroboros commented on the word sky
It's 120 miles high.
February 25, 2012
oroboros commented on the word illiterate
Some one who's sick of reading? (From Wiley's Dictionary - B.C. cartoon 2/25/12)
February 25, 2012
oroboros commented on the word kistka
An implement for decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs.
February 18, 2012
oroboros commented on the word tek-tok
Time spent trying to get tech support on the line.
February 18, 2012
oroboros commented on the word mow
Cut inches off yards? --NYT crossword clue
February 16, 2012
oroboros commented on the word mow
MOW (inverted) = MOW
February 16, 2012
oroboros commented on the word feghoot
A joke ending with a pun. --Heard on NPR's Says You
February 11, 2012
oroboros commented on the word steeple chase
In an unsuccessful fox hunt, to assuage the down spirits of the hunters the leader of the hunt would pick out a steeple seen in the distance and issue the challenge of a race to it among the riders. A sort of "last one there is a rotten egg!" dare. --Heard on NPR's Says You.
February 4, 2012
oroboros commented on the word security blanket
According to NPR's Says You the security blanket was an actual product for securing babies in their cribs and not dreamed up by Charles Schultz.
February 4, 2012
oroboros commented on the word wrist-bitingly attractive
A David Foster Wallace-ism. To wit: "Meredith Rand is one of only a handful of females at the REC that every male with an opinion on such matters agrees is totally, wrist-bitingly attractive." --The Pale King p.447
Very evocative, don't you think? :o)
February 4, 2012
oroboros commented on the list let-s-go-strap-on-the-ole-air-chine-and-bore-holes-in-the-sky
Not sure what you mean, Erin. I've not come across it. Does it refer to an aircraft exploding in flight?
February 3, 2012
oroboros commented on the word chocolate
From cyberspace:
C = carbon
Ho = holmium
Co = cobalt
La = lanthanum
Te = tellurium
CHoCoLaTe - Better living through chemistry!
February 3, 2012
oroboros commented on the word vernepator
A long dog with short legs that runs on a Rube Goldberg-type mechanism to turn a spit of roasting meat. --Heard on NPR's Says You
January 28, 2012
oroboros commented on the word embosk
To shroud, especially with plants and greenery. Heard on NPR's Says You
January 21, 2012
oroboros commented on the word MVEMJSUNP
Mnemonic for the planets of the solar system.
January 20, 2012
oroboros commented on the word VIBGYOR
Mnemonic for the colors of the spectrum (e.g., rainbow).
January 20, 2012
oroboros commented on the word disport
The following is related by an eminent naturalist: ‘A young lady was sitting in a room adjoining a poultry yard, where chickens, ducks and geese were disporting themselves. A drake came in, approached the lady, seized the bottom of her dress with his beak, and pulled it vigorously. Feeling startled, she repulsed him with her hand. The bird still persisted. Somewhat astonished, she paid some attention to this unaccountable pantomime, and discovered that the drake wished to drag her out of doors. She got up, and he waddled out quietly before her. More and more surprised, she followed him, and he conducted her to the side of a pond where she perceived a duck with its head caught in the opening of a sluice. She hastened to release the poor creature and restored it to the drake, who by loud quackings and beating of his wings testified his joy at the deliverance of his companion.’
– Ballou’s Monthly Magazine, May 1870 (via futilitycloset.com)
January 20, 2012
oroboros commented on the word precipitate
Be careful lest ye precipitate precipitate actions!
January 19, 2012
oroboros commented on the word quantumphysicsese
Usage example here
January 16, 2012
oroboros commented on the word SLAP
Sounds Like A Plan
January 14, 2012
oroboros commented on the word smell fungus
A traveller who complains about everything. --heard on NPR's Says You
January 14, 2012
oroboros commented on the word visabol
Gum-like substance similar to myrrh. --heard on NPR's Says You
January 14, 2012
oroboros commented on the word figure skating
Just sliding by? (clue on NPR's Says You)
January 14, 2012
oroboros commented on the word -trix
Hi Shirley! Looks like you survived the Friday 13th menace, eh? :oD
January 14, 2012
oroboros commented on the word naumkeag
To buff a shoe bottom prior to finishing. --heard on NPR's Says You
January 7, 2012
oroboros commented on the word Florence Woods
First women in the USA to receive a driver's license. --heard on NPR's Says You
December 31, 2011
oroboros commented on the word George Crum
Inventor of the potato chip. Originally known as Saratoga chips. --heard on NPR's Says You
December 31, 2011
oroboros commented on the word discrete
Discrete v. discreet.
Most of us can testify to it. After two or three heaping portions of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and Waldorf salad you’re bursting at the seams. You’re so sated that you had to discretely place a crumpled napkin over that uneaten turkey wing on your plate. --Ingrid Spilde
Despite the usage gaff, the article Why You Always Have Room for Dessert is an interesting read.
December 30, 2011
oroboros commented on the word jark
A counterfeit seal (as on a document). Heard on NPR's Says You.
December 17, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Bun Bun
One of the two children of the Pillsbury Doughboy (Popper's the other). Heard on NPR's Says You.
December 17, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Popper
See Bun bun.
December 17, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Bun bun
One of the two children of the Pillsbury Doughboy (Popper's the other). Heard on NPR's Says You.
December 17, 2011
oroboros commented on the word doob
Bermuda grass. Heard on NPR's Says You
December 17, 2011
oroboros commented on the word feedback
Can't look up cash money -- "500 server error"
December 14, 2011
oroboros commented on the word pointing at the moon
This book has a prominent place in my library it was one of those that initially set my feet upon the path...
December 14, 2011
oroboros commented on the word ecize
To adjust to a new environment. Heard on NPR's Says You.
December 10, 2011
oroboros commented on the word dorpt
To hold, as a lion, at bay. Heard on NPR's Says You
December 3, 2011
oroboros commented on the word toenails
Oooh, exotic!
December 3, 2011
oroboros commented on the user fbharjo
First palindromic phrase I've seen using google. :o)
December 1, 2011
oroboros commented on the user rolig
Thanks for mirror rim - nice!
December 1, 2011
oroboros commented on the list sweet-tooth-fairy
Heavens to Murgatroyd!! 1000 STFs, fbharjo!!?? Lawdy, what creativitinessness...ness. Gud wurk!
November 23, 2011
oroboros commented on the list wordniks-who-proudly-contribute-worthless-stuff--a-lot-of-dumb-comments--and-useless-words-to-the-zeitgeist-page
*ponders where to add his first comment on the beta-test wordnik* * basks in undeserved glory* *wonders about shamelessness and other character flaws*
November 23, 2011
oroboros commented on the word iron mike
Aviation slang term for the aircraft autopilot.
November 19, 2011
oroboros commented on the word structured procrastination
...a way of not doing something more important. If all the procrastinator had left to do was to sharpen some pencils, no force on earth could get him do it. However, the procrastinator can be motivated to do difficult, timely and important tasks, as long as these tasks are a way of not doing something more important. Structured procrastination means shaping the structure of the tasks one has to do in a way that exploits this fact." --John Perry
November 5, 2011
oroboros commented on the word high tea
Tea served at a high (dinner-type) table; contrast with Low Tea served on a coffee table. (according to NPR's Says You)
November 5, 2011
oroboros commented on the word miggle
The marble targeted by a shooter in a game of marbles. (according to NPR's *Says You*)
November 5, 2011
oroboros commented on the word kis
A weevil; a variety of English wheat worm, according to NPR's Says You.
October 29, 2011
oroboros commented on the word guck
A foolish thing, according to NPR's Says You.
October 29, 2011
oroboros commented on the word jack-o'-lantern
Guiness Book of World Records shortest time to carve one? 54.72 seconds (2001) --via NPR's Says You
October 29, 2011
oroboros commented on the word recorder
The opposite of wreak havoc? (B.C.'s Wiley's Dictionary)
October 29, 2011
oroboros commented on the word new interface
Nice, sionnach. *like* Gutlevel chives? Mmmm, that's some tall chives.
October 22, 2011
oroboros commented on the word kumatage
n. “A bright appearance in the horizon, under the sun or moon, arising from the reflected light of these bodies from the small rippling waves on the surface of the water”
(Nathaniel Bowditch, The New American Practical Navigator, 1837) --via futilitycloset.com
October 22, 2011
oroboros commented on the word minimum
An especially small Englishwoman? (from BC cartoon - Wiley's Dictionary)
October 20, 2011
oroboros commented on the word nitrate
Cheaper than a day rate?
October 20, 2011
oroboros commented on the word secret identity theft
Strange Brew.
October 17, 2011
oroboros commented on the word secret identity theft
"There seems to be a problem with your credit card, Mr. Kent." (Strange Brew 'toon)
October 17, 2011
oroboros commented on the word sizzle
Hey! Word it up, dude.
October 17, 2011
oroboros commented on the word new interface
I didn't think there was any way to quietly jam fufluns into tail pipes! What's your secret 'zu? Ninja training? :o)
October 16, 2011
oroboros commented on the word new interface
Well, it appears that I can't add words to my "potpourri" list; not at the list page or the word page (with checkmark). Jesus Cristo y Madre de Dios!
Edit: Doh! I was trying to add a word that was already on that list (toothsome). Still, what produced the confusion in the first place is that the word page for toothsome shows no checkmark in my potpourri list box. And that's still the case: no checkmark, but I've verified it's on the list at the list page. Go figure! :o/
October 11, 2011
oroboros commented on the word ooch
To try to propel a boat forward by abrupt movements of one's body; "ooching forward". (according to NPR's Says You)
October 8, 2011
oroboros commented on the word flob
To inadvertently collide with a wall or door. (According to NPR's Says You)
October 8, 2011
oroboros commented on the word librarianitarian
One interested in doing good works for librarians?
October 8, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Zenophobia
An irrational fear of convergent sequences.
October 2, 2011
oroboros commented on the word inkle
To attend a party to which one hasn't an invitation. (according to NPRs Says You)
September 3, 2011
oroboros commented on the word pasteurize
Ordaine to be a minister?
August 27, 2011
oroboros commented on the word dispraise
“People are never so ready to believe you as when you say things in dispraise of yourself; and you are never so much annoyed as when they take you at your word.” --Somerset Maugham (Notebooks)
August 27, 2011
oroboros commented on the word balloon animal shelter
Seen on the Over The Hedge cartoon.
August 22, 2011
oroboros commented on the word bleem
A number between 6 and 7. (George Carlin)
August 20, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Mountweazel
A fictitious entry for the purpose of detecting plagiarism.
August 20, 2011
oroboros commented on the word new interface
Erin: Yes, still tiny font (with Chrome browser). @bilby,'zu,sionnach, erin et al., hanks for the rib tickling irreverence!
Oh, and I have the same experience with pronunciation that dontcry has...
August 13, 2011
oroboros commented on the word new interface
How do I access my recent comments? Try as I might, all I can access is comments from the first two weeks of my presence on Wordie. There is no "continue to next page" option.
August 7, 2011
oroboros commented on the word purple loosestrife
August 7, 2011
oroboros commented on the word nidget
"The person who fetches the midwife". (via NPR's Says You)
August 6, 2011
oroboros commented on the word dickens
Corruption of "Old Nick" - the Devil. (via NPR's Says You)
August 6, 2011
oroboros commented on the word new interface
Erin, is the translate feature going to make a comeback eventually? And is the font size in the comment box while entering and/or editing comments going to remain so tiny?
August 6, 2011
oroboros commented on the word new interface
@Erin. Much improvement in comment/edit comment option. Thanks!
August 5, 2011
oroboros commented on the word electrolux
I've got one of the originals with the chrome runners and reusable cloth bag. Remarkably, it came with this house I bought 10 years ago...
August 5, 2011
oroboros commented on the word mind your own business card
via Dan Piraro.
August 5, 2011
oroboros commented on the word grandpa box
Desktop computer. Everybody else's using fondleslabs!
August 3, 2011
oroboros commented on the word kipple
Kipple and Things : How To Hoard and How Not To Mean.
August 2, 2011
oroboros commented on the word disfluency
An Uh, Er, Um Essay
August 2, 2011
oroboros commented on the word new interface
What sionnach said. Yes.
August 1, 2011
oroboros commented on the word fondleslab
iPad, iPhone, etc. See grandpa box.
July 31, 2011
oroboros commented on the word rattlesnake
A variety of green bean. Rattlesnake Pole Bean.
July 31, 2011
oroboros commented on the word new interface
Comment function is intermittent. The whole site is abominably slow. Edit: comment option works, but EXTREMELY slowly. Ditto for edit option; or it seems to work only intermittently.
July 31, 2011
oroboros commented on the word porphyrophobia
Fear of the color purple.
July 31, 2011
oroboros commented on the word purple haze
A variety of carrot (according to Says You)
July 30, 2011
oroboros commented on the word black turtle
A variety of bean (according to Says You)
July 30, 2011
oroboros commented on the word boxcar willy
A variety of tomato (according to Says You)
July 30, 2011
oroboros commented on the word piping hot
Related to musical instruments (pipes), not steam pipes. (via Says You)
July 30, 2011
oroboros commented on the list i-d-rather-have-a-bottle-in-front-of-me
thanks milos and dharma
July 16, 2011
oroboros commented on the user dharma66
Thanks, dharma, for your input. Added!
July 16, 2011
oroboros commented on the word new interface
I agree with Pro and frogapplause: the site really has the feel of reference emphasis. I miss the "first listed by" and other such personalizing features. Another thing that strikes me, although it may be transitory, is surprisingly long wait times.
July 9, 2011
oroboros commented on the word schnibble
To cut meat into small pieces. (heard on NPR's Says You)
July 9, 2011
oroboros commented on the word phrop
A euphemistic insincere phrase; a verbal air kiss. E.g., "Oh we must have lunch ..." (according to NPR's Says You)
July 9, 2011
oroboros commented on the word blunderbuss
A messed up kiss?
July 8, 2011
oroboros commented on the word medulla oblongata
See comment under spatula.
July 8, 2011
oroboros commented on the word spatula
Fun to say?
July 8, 2011
oroboros commented on the word springar
A Norwegian dance, according to NPR's Says You.
July 2, 2011
oroboros commented on the word russell the love muscle
First seen in D. F. Wallace's Infinite Jest.
July 2, 2011
oroboros commented on the word new interface
What happened to the translation feature on the word page? Has it just been deleted or forgotten...or, again, am I just missing something?
June 25, 2011
oroboros commented on the word bradbury
bRAdburY. Ray Bradbury, Sci-Fi author extraordinaire.
June 25, 2011
oroboros commented on the word bradbury
bRAdburY: Ray Bradbury, SciFi author extraordinaire.
June 25, 2011
oroboros commented on the user mollusque
Thanks, mollusque for your kangaroo word suggestion. Definitely "outside the box". :o)
June 25, 2011
oroboros commented on the list kangaroo-words
Hey! Good one, mollusque, thanks.
June 25, 2011
oroboros commented on the word gilt
I'm just waaaaaaay outta the loop! (but wanted to link the cartoon at least).
June 24, 2011
oroboros commented on the word gilt
A young female pig...who knew?
June 24, 2011
oroboros commented on the word punce
Is this like pwn?
June 24, 2011
oroboros commented on the word grey
For more discussion of "grey v. gray" see here. In a nutshell: Gray = color; grey = colour.
June 24, 2011
oroboros commented on the word new interface
It would be nice to have the option, on the word page (in addition to adding the word) to delete a word from one's list as opposed to having to go to the list page and deleting it there. Or am I overlooking something?
June 24, 2011
oroboros commented on the word June gloom
Also May gray. Especially applies to the Southern California Spring, early Summer weather patterns.
June 24, 2011
oroboros commented on the word May gray
See June gloom.
June 24, 2011
oroboros commented on the list pop-culture
'zu --> :oD
June 24, 2011
oroboros commented on the list pop-culture
Thanx for your input, marky. I see your account isn't public? Sorry I can't return the favor of perusing any of your lists.
June 24, 2011
oroboros commented on the list emordnilap
See also, Dyslexic's Dread.
June 18, 2011
oroboros commented on the list infinite-jest-3
Truly an amazing tour de force. What a mind!
June 15, 2011
oroboros commented on the word flush
Yeah, he was sporting lint!
June 15, 2011
oroboros commented on the word popination
Bar hopping; pub crawling (via NPR's Says You)
May 28, 2011
oroboros commented on the word staboy
An encouraging cry to hunting dogs in pursuit of prey.
May 28, 2011
oroboros commented on the word perfect
I've used 'perfuct' for years. Very satisfying!
May 28, 2011
oroboros commented on the list sweet-tooth-fairy-dominoes
Huh! Sionnach beat me to the punch. Joke was meant to come after 'colour'.
May 25, 2011
oroboros commented on the word stupiphany
Heard on NPR this AM. Finally tumbling to what is obvious to everyone else.
May 25, 2011
oroboros commented on the word disgruntled
If a pig loses its voice is it disgruntled?
May 23, 2011
oroboros commented on the word deets
Slang for "details".
May 14, 2011
oroboros commented on the word frealz
Highschool slang for "for real".
May 14, 2011
oroboros commented on the word totes
Highschool slang for "totally".
May 14, 2011
oroboros commented on the word clishpen
According to NPR's Says You: To break apart by dropping, e.g., a bag of ice.
May 14, 2011
oroboros commented on the word travois
A draggin' wagon?
May 14, 2011
oroboros commented on the word writer's block
Be the Captain of her fat.
May 6, 2011
oroboros commented on the word writer's block
If an equestrian runs out of ideas does she have rider's block?"
May 6, 2011
oroboros commented on the list identify-the-wordienik
Thanks gangerh...and to all the players; I feel all warm 'n toasty to be among such an erudite and rapscalious crew. w00t!
May 5, 2011
oroboros commented on the word osamabama bump
Heard on the radio: the bump in the polls for Obama as a result of the take-down of Osama Bin Laden. Might have been osamobama bump; couldn't be sure.
May 4, 2011
oroboros commented on the list kangaroo-words
Thanks, Wp.
May 3, 2011
oroboros commented on the user Wordplayer
Thanks, Wordplayer. I like insignia; chandeliers is good too. Appreciate your input...
May 3, 2011
oroboros commented on the word katsaridaphobia
Fear of cockroaches. Got a kinda nice ring to it, no? Heard on NPR's Weekend Edition in an interview with Amy Stewart on her new book Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon's Army & Other Diabolical Insects.
April 30, 2011
oroboros commented on the list identify-the-wordienik
I actually played Grumpy-dwarf once in a Junior High theatre production. I was well cast. *grumps*
April 28, 2011
oroboros commented on the list identify-the-wordienik
Here ya go; I used my favorite method: no-brains.(Edit: whoops! see addition of frogclapping below)
bilby - hidelugged
blafferty - calepinerienne
chained_bear - aaaaaarrgh!
dontcry - queasy
erinmckean - playful
fbharjo - od
frindley - boggy
frogapplause - dreamy....uh, oh, no, wait, okay: balsamaceous
gangerh - sinistral
hernesheir - ascian
mollusque - chrestomathic
oroboros - wiggy
PossibleUnderscore - heartstringsplucker
Prolagus - harlequin
pterodactyl - wodge
reesetee - distingue
ruzuzu - prodigal
seanahan - systematic
sionnach - protean
Wordnicolina - greenhorn
Wordplayer - emordnilap
yarb - panda
April 26, 2011
oroboros commented on the word scoon
NPR's Says You used this word in its bluffing round: skipping a rock across water.
April 23, 2011
oroboros commented on the word cincinate
Curled in ringlets. (per NPR's Says You)
April 23, 2011
oroboros commented on the list identify-the-wordienik
*You* folks? 'Zuzu, 'member the enemy is us (what we met)! :o)
April 22, 2011
oroboros commented on the list identify-the-wordienik
Egad! Well, I know I can get at least *one* right!
*scurries off to pour some Scot's smart-juice over ice*
April 22, 2011
oroboros commented on the word message
Take it or leave it. (NYT X-word puzzle clue/answer)
April 21, 2011
oroboros commented on the list autantonyms
Good one, mollusque. Thanks!
April 19, 2011
oroboros commented on the word cow
Cow's favorite rock band? Moo-dy Blues.
Favorite entertainment? Moo-vies.
April 12, 2011
oroboros commented on the word chounse
To fluff up a pillow. (via NPR's Says You)
April 9, 2011
oroboros commented on the word woof ticket
See also wolf ticket.
April 6, 2011
oroboros commented on the word fishplate
Criminy! Nobody's even bothered to list fishplate! I'm not gonna either...*tests ruzuzu's squeak, just to make sure*
April 4, 2011
oroboros commented on the word nang
British slang for 'excellent' or 'cool'. (NPR's Says You)
April 2, 2011
oroboros commented on the word El Al
Means "skyward" (to the sky?) in Yiddish (?) according to a NYT crossword clue.
April 2, 2011
oroboros commented on the word full reserve
You know how your gas tank fuel indicator stays at or above "full" for a seemingly inordinate amount of time? That's what engineers call "full reserve." Same thing at the "empty" end of the range; would that be an "empty reserve?"
April 2, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Foley
See foley.
March 30, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Egbert Sousé
W.C. Fields character.
March 30, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Cuthbert J. Twillie
W.C. Fields character. Gotta love it.
March 30, 2011
oroboros commented on the word orchestra
Anagram: carthorse.
March 28, 2011
oroboros commented on the word paperclip
trombone in French.
March 28, 2011
oroboros commented on the word trombone
Just learned that trombone is the French word for paperclip. Egad! I wonder if I'll ever forget this? :o)
March 28, 2011
oroboros commented on the word sporting lint
I figured it just has to do with going into the pocket for coin and coming out with lint. But thanks for the reference.
March 26, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Q-Tip
The "Q" stands for "quality".
March 26, 2011
oroboros commented on the word f-stop
The "F" refers to focal length.
March 26, 2011
oroboros commented on the word a-list
Origin: The most "bankable" actors in the film industry are on the A-list.
March 26, 2011
oroboros commented on the word sporting lint
Encountered in Wallace's Infinite Jest. To have no money.
March 25, 2011
oroboros commented on the word the argyle cold weather stabilization process
@ptero: Interesting study, but no, I got this from an NPR Says You episode. Gratified it sparked a comment flurry! :o)
March 24, 2011
oroboros commented on the word heaven
HeAVEN
March 23, 2011
oroboros commented on the word cart corral
Shopping cart h(e)aven.
March 23, 2011
oroboros commented on the word cray-cray
Crazy.
March 21, 2011
oroboros commented on the word trailer
Movie trailers (previews) used to come at the end of the film (hence the name) but that practice was abandoned because nobody stuck around to watch 'em! This, according to NPR's Says You.
March 19, 2011
oroboros commented on the word maloik
The gesture made with the index and little fingers raised while the thumb holds down the middle and ring fingers. The sign of the horns - symbolic of the "evil eye".
March 19, 2011
oroboros commented on the word the argyle cold weather stabilization process
Wearing socks on the outside of your shoes to minimize slipping on an icy walkway.
March 19, 2011
oroboros commented on the word perendinate
I decided to comment day before yesterday.
March 19, 2011
oroboros commented on the word crapulous
From the police blotter of the SLO (San Luis Obispo, CA) City News, March 10-16 2011:
Alcohol: Police responded at 12:41 a.m. to the Native Lounge on the 1100 block of Chorro St. after one of the natives got restless and rough. He was arrested for suspicion of being bent in public. Another ruckus broke out at 1:37 a.m. at Mo Tav, just around the corner on the 700 block of Higuera St. There, a belle of the ball was arrested for being crapulous."
March 18, 2011
oroboros commented on the word booty
From the police blotter of the SLO (San Luis Obispo, CA) City News, March 10-16 2011:
"Theft: Police were called at 5:17 P.M. to the 700 block of Higuera St. at Fanny Wrappers Lingerie shop for a reported shoplifting. No word on the booty that was pinched."
March 18, 2011
oroboros commented on the word ruzuzu on-a-stick
Unabridged umbrage. Yoiks!
March 18, 2011
oroboros commented on the word hobosexual
"A friend’s young son (4 or 5) was asking her about “you know, the guys who like women, but they like to look good, too.” She very bravely took him up on it and explained that such men were called “metrosexuals.” He thought for a moment and then said, “So the guys who like guys… what are they? Hobosexuals?” She was driving at the time and is still amazed she didn’t run off the road from laughing so hard. Of course, the funny thing is, apparently there really are gay hobos who refer to themselves as “Hobosexuals.” Who knew?"
(Comment by "Prospero" on Dan Piraro's--"Bizarro" cartoonist-- blog)
March 18, 2011
oroboros commented on the word tragus
Even Dilbert gets into the action. A shame Scott couldn't work meatus in as well.
March 18, 2011
oroboros commented on the word fussy hussy
Heard on NPR's Says You - a bon mot by one of the panelists (in re: to the word tussie-mussie - i.e., presented to mollify a fussy hussy), and I just like it.
March 12, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Madrid
Domestic helper hides physician?
March 12, 2011
oroboros commented on the word doublecross
Origin: when signatures were often simple crosses, a cross over a cross was a reneging on the deal.(According to NPR's Says You)
March 12, 2011
oroboros commented on the word dashboard
Origin: wooden board to catch the mud or water thrown up by the horses pulling a carriage or coach. (According to NPR's Says You)
March 12, 2011
oroboros commented on the list autantonyms
Thank'zu, 'zu! :o)
March 10, 2011
oroboros commented on the word ruzuzu on-a-stick
How 'bout a ride in my Isuzu, ruzuzu? It's got a full tank o' umbrage, 'n rarin' to go!
March 4, 2011
oroboros commented on the word unionized
Could be used as a shibboleth for detecting chemists (according to Isaac Asimov, says Wikipedia).
March 3, 2011
oroboros commented on the word foley
The consummate craft of Foley. All those little and big sounds in the movie you're watching have to be recreated from a vast storehouse of typical junkdrawer, wardrobe and miscellaneous paraphernalia. Fascinating! It'll enhance your appreciation of the film industry.
March 2, 2011
oroboros commented on the list let-s-go-strap-on-the-ole-air-chine-and-bore-holes-in-the-sky
Well, nothing comes to mind other than the standards: "cheated death"; "almost bought the farm"; "used one of his nine lives" "bit a hole in the pilot seat" (with his you know what) etc. Not all that inspired, but I hope it helps...
February 26, 2011
oroboros commented on the word hundred-dollar hamburger
Net cost of jumping in your Cessna 172 and flying off to Catalina Island for lunch.
February 26, 2011
oroboros commented on the word counting rivets
Slang for a "Near Mid-air Collision"
February 26, 2011
oroboros commented on the word contact approach
A kind of visual approach into an airport. Nicely expeditious in certain weather conditions, for places like John Wayne - Orange County airport and Burbank airport. Also see concrete compass.
February 26, 2011
oroboros commented on the word concrete compass
Navigating an aircraft by reference to roads on the ground. If you use a rail-road track you're using the iron compass. Useful in contact approaches.
February 26, 2011
oroboros commented on the word hanger queen
An aircraft that spends an inordinate amount of time in the hanger undergoing repairs. Especially applicable to aircraft harboring a "wire-worm".
February 26, 2011
oroboros commented on the word tithe the eighth height tight thigh
Just lookit all 'em g-s, h-s 'n t-s! Splendid!
February 25, 2011
oroboros commented on the word nonversation
"Pickles"
February 23, 2011
oroboros commented on the word palindrome
A different sort of palindrome.
February 19, 2011
oroboros commented on the word beauty
Beauty contains buy and eat. A sort-of Kangaroo word: BeaUtY - bEAuTy. See an animated version here.
February 17, 2011
oroboros commented on the word reincarnation
RENDER UNTO CAESAR...
Modernity comes to China: Religious teachers must now fill out a government application before they can be reincarnated.The decree, passed in 2007, requires that applications be submitted to four different government bodies.“The selection of reincarnates must preserve national unity and solidarity of all ethnic groups, and the selection process cannot be influenced by any group or individual from outside the country.” (via futilitycloset.com)
February 17, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Kilroy
See comments at kilroy, as to "Kilroy Was Here".
February 17, 2011
oroboros commented on the word metronome
According to "Wiley's Dictionary": metronome = a city dwarf.
(Johnny Hart's B.C. comic 2/15/11)
February 15, 2011
oroboros commented on the word ophthalmologist
From BC cartoon today: "Show me an Eskimo ophthalmologist...and I'll show you an optical Aleutian."
http://comics.com/bc/2011-02-11/
February 11, 2011
oroboros commented on the word reduction
see donut icer
February 10, 2011
oroboros commented on the word introduce
see donut icer
February 10, 2011
oroboros commented on the word donut icer
Anagrams: introduce and reduction.
February 10, 2011
oroboros commented on the list four-weeks--28-breakfasts
Smoked salmon scramble (with sour cream and drizzled-on Pepper Plant TM); potatoes on the side. Mmmmmm...
February 7, 2011
oroboros commented on the word loke
A short, private, dead-end road. (via NPR's Says You)
February 5, 2011
oroboros commented on the word habbie-gabbie
To throw money into a crowd. (via NPR's Says You)
February 5, 2011
oroboros commented on the word mauka
I first heard this visiting relatives in Hawaii.
February 5, 2011
oroboros commented on the word juvia
A Brazil nut.
February 5, 2011
oroboros commented on the word accordion
That's no Lady! That's my....uh, hmmmm, well, no on Lady of Spain, but I did do an interview or two with playing on the local radio, too: KTMS.
January 30, 2011
oroboros commented on the word afghanistani
Yes, the NPR puzzle. Will Shortz said it's a variant of Afghani, and if he accepts it that's good enuff for me...
January 30, 2011
oroboros commented on the word zot
A square piece of cloth used as head covering in Guatemala. (via NPR's Says You)
January 29, 2011
oroboros commented on the word there's no free lunch
In the old days, saloon and bar owners offered a free lunch to patrons who spent a requisite time drinking in their establishment, hoping they would get so drunk they'd forget they never got their free lunch. It was adjudged as unfair advertising by the authorities of the era. (via NPR's Says You)
January 29, 2011
oroboros commented on the word sappy
Sad and Happy at the same time?
January 29, 2011
oroboros commented on the word afghanistani
A nationality containing two nations:
afGHANistAni
afgHAnIsTanI
January 27, 2011
oroboros commented on the word stickybeak
Nosey Parker; Lookie Loo.
January 26, 2011
oroboros commented on the word accordion
I'm astounded I didn't discover this page 4 years ago and expose a limited chapter of my past. I played accordion as a kid *and* I played in an accordion band. We played on a float in the Santa Barbara Fiesta Parade as well as other public venues for a number of years and appeared on the local TV station,KEYT, on several occasions. A few of the members could play 12th Street Rag with the bellow shake and were awe inspiring to the rest of us hacks.
January 22, 2011
oroboros commented on the word polygon
When your parrot flies the coop?
January 14, 2011
oroboros commented on the list autantonyms
Yeah, good one. Added.
January 12, 2011
oroboros commented on the list autantonyms
Point taken, 'zu. Also fbharjo's. Thanks.
January 12, 2011
oroboros commented on the word gosh-a-mickle dickle-pickle
Ah, Walt Kelly we miss you!
January 12, 2011
oroboros commented on the list autantonyms
Thanks again, ruzuzu. Tuck-out's new to me. tuck in always meant to sit down and "dig in" to a meal with enthusiastic appetite; didn't realize tuck-out was the same. Course, little Jack Horner tuck-in his thumb and tuck-out a plum, don'tcha know! :o)
January 8, 2011
oroboros commented on the list autantonyms
Thanks, 'zu. Cop as "Goin' to get all medieval on yo ass."? (Pulp Fiction, I think). :o)
January 6, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Polaroids
What Eskimos get from sitting on the ice too long?
January 5, 2011
oroboros commented on the word alackaday
Related to "alas and alack"?
January 3, 2011
oroboros commented on the word constable
Derivation: "count of the stable" - the man who counted the King's horses every morning to verify none missing. (via NPR's Says You)
January 2, 2011
oroboros commented on the word Ding Dong, Texas
It's in Bell county. :o)
December 31, 2010
oroboros commented on the word mother-in-law
Anagram of Woman Hitler
December 30, 2010
oroboros commented on the word antibody
Against everybody?
December 25, 2010
oroboros commented on the word cardiology
The science of poker playing?
December 25, 2010
oroboros commented on the word tablet
A small table?
December 25, 2010
oroboros commented on the word subcutaneous
Not cute enough?
December 25, 2010
oroboros commented on the word cryptonesic
See cryptomnesia.
December 20, 2010
oroboros commented on the word tetrahydrozoline
"Gets the red out."
December 19, 2010
oroboros commented on the word nesh
To act timidly, according to NPR's Says You
December 19, 2010
oroboros commented on the word duffifie
To lay a bottle on its side for a long time to get out every last drop after the contents have been poured out. (via NPR's Says You)
December 19, 2010
oroboros commented on the word scent
See fragrance.
December 19, 2010
oroboros commented on the word fragrance
Fragrance v. scent. Alcohol-based v. oil-based. (via NPR's Says You
December 19, 2010
oroboros commented on the word mooswa
Algonquin word for moose, meaning "twig eater".
~via NPR's Says You
December 12, 2010
oroboros commented on the word glinn
A lightening in the sky portending bad weather.
~via NPR's Says You
December 12, 2010
oroboros commented on the word word
In typing, a word is a unit of length signified by five characters/spaces.
~via NPR's Says You
December 12, 2010
oroboros commented on the user milosrdenstvi
Re: "more good songs in Spanish" - check out the classic "Trio Los Panchos" oeuvre. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Panchos
December 10, 2010
oroboros commented on the list someday-ill-pronounce-these-things-for-frogapplause
Yah, didn't know him but enjoyed his version; you've been a fan for a while? Thing I like about the Perla arrangement is the repeated, harmonic descending arpeggio background to the piece. It's unique in my experience...and works on me like an anvil of mercy.
December 10, 2010
oroboros commented on the list someday-ill-pronounce-these-things-for-frogapplause
'Zu, I changed the link. THIS is my very favorite arrangement, just didn't know it was up on YouTube. The version I have on iTunes by Perla Batalla is done with a quartet of acoustic guitars. Beautiful!!
December 9, 2010
oroboros commented on the list someday-ill-pronounce-these-things-for-frogapplause
The cuccuruddu ruzuzu made me think of that extremely beautiful Mexican song Cucurrucucu Paloma. Check it out, 'zu! Always makes me misty eyed when I hear it...
December 9, 2010
oroboros commented on the user ruzuzu
Thanks, 'zu. I added shell to the list. Also found some more at that off site list ptero linked. Neat!
December 9, 2010
oroboros commented on the word shell
Janus word in the sense of add shells (or bombard "we were being shelled by the VC") vs. remove shells (i.e., shuck).
December 9, 2010
oroboros commented on the word dunkadoo
Huh! I mighta knowed! :o)
December 8, 2010
oroboros commented on the word myth
A female moth?
December 7, 2010
oroboros commented on the word partnership
Time-share yacht?
December 7, 2010
oroboros commented on the word board meeting
Surfing convention?
December 7, 2010
oroboros commented on the word snallygaster
"Nathaniel had his reasons for his journey to Rhyolite, the greatest boom town in the west. He hoped to find what the snallygaster had taken from him. Some believed it could snatch away whatever you most valued. It had taken Annabelle, the love of his life. Now he was here in Rhyolite, to make his fortune, reunite with Annabelle--and to find the man he murdered back in Baltimore."
~Opening paragraph of Journey to Rhyolite by Steve Bartholomew
December 5, 2010
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