Draw bamboos for ten years, become a bamboo, then forget all about bamboos when you are drawing.
~ Georges Duthuit (1891-1973)
Sunday, January 29, 2012
"Draw bamboos for ten years..."
Quote of the Week:
Friday, January 27, 2012
PARAPH
TileHead’s Word of the Day for 27 January 2012
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
PARAPH (n. pl. -S)
Definition(s):
Useful information for game players:
Epilogue:
The familiar word PARAGRAPH began appearing in English c. 1500, but the same concept was described by the word PARAPH as early as 1395. Both words derive from the Latin paragraphus (“paragraph”). Over time, PARAPH came to mean a symbol or character used to mark the start of a section or paragraph, such as ¶ (a symbol also known as a pilcrow). Now the word PARAPH is generally used to refer only to a flourish or mark accompanying a signature, such as the lines seen under John Hancock’s famous signature on the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin’s signature often featured an elaborate PARAPH, too, as did those of several other contemporaries. The practice may have originally started as a means of preventing forgery of one’s signature — plus, it looked cool.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
PARAPH (n. pl. -S)
Definition(s):
- (n.) a flourish added above, below, through, or at the end of a signature
- (n.) a symbol or character used to mark the start of a section or paragraph
Useful information for game players:
- Front hooks: (none)
- Back hooks: -S
- Anagrams: (none)
- Longer extensions: paraphYSES, paraphYSIS, paraphRASE (v.), paraphRASER/S, paraphRASTIC, paraphRASABLE, paraphERNALIA
- Wraparounds: (none)
- Other Spellings: (none)
- Related Forms: (none)
Epilogue:
The familiar word PARAGRAPH began appearing in English c. 1500, but the same concept was described by the word PARAPH as early as 1395. Both words derive from the Latin paragraphus (“paragraph”). Over time, PARAPH came to mean a symbol or character used to mark the start of a section or paragraph, such as ¶ (a symbol also known as a pilcrow). Now the word PARAPH is generally used to refer only to a flourish or mark accompanying a signature, such as the lines seen under John Hancock’s famous signature on the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin’s signature often featured an elaborate PARAPH, too, as did those of several other contemporaries. The practice may have originally started as a means of preventing forgery of one’s signature — plus, it looked cool.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
DOLMEN
TileHead’s Word of the Day for 25 January 2012
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
DOLMEN (n. pl. -S)
Definition(s):
Useful information for game players:
Epilogue:
Celtic people of ancient Europe were fond of stone monuments. The proof is in the surviving structures themselves as well as in the surviving words about them. The word DOLMEN is probably from Cornish tolmen (“hole of stone”) or from Breton taolvean (“table stone”). CROMLECH, one of a group of prehistoric monuments arranged in a circle around a mound (but, confusingly, also sometimes used as a synonym for DOLMEN), comes from the Welsh crwmllech (“curved stone”). And MENHIR, a single upright prehistoric monument, comes from the Breton menhir (“long stone”). The relationship among these words may be quite close indeed: Cornish, Breton, and Welsh are distinct languages, but they are all believed to have come from a common “proto-Celtic” tongue.
If you find the distinctions among the above terms too subtle, you can always opt for more general terms such MEGALITH (a large stone) or MONOLITH (a single stone), both of which are formed of Greek elements.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
DOLMEN (n. pl. -S)
Definition(s):
- (n.) a prehistoric monument, especially one consisting of two or more upright stones supporting a horizontal one
- (n.) any megalithic burial chamber
Useful information for game players:
- Front hooks: (none)
- Back hooks: -S
- Anagrams: (none)
- Longer extensions: dolmenIC
- Wraparounds: (none)
- Other Spellings: (none)
- Related Forms: DOLMENIC (adj.)
Epilogue:
Celtic people of ancient Europe were fond of stone monuments. The proof is in the surviving structures themselves as well as in the surviving words about them. The word DOLMEN is probably from Cornish tolmen (“hole of stone”) or from Breton taolvean (“table stone”). CROMLECH, one of a group of prehistoric monuments arranged in a circle around a mound (but, confusingly, also sometimes used as a synonym for DOLMEN), comes from the Welsh crwmllech (“curved stone”). And MENHIR, a single upright prehistoric monument, comes from the Breton menhir (“long stone”). The relationship among these words may be quite close indeed: Cornish, Breton, and Welsh are distinct languages, but they are all believed to have come from a common “proto-Celtic” tongue.
If you find the distinctions among the above terms too subtle, you can always opt for more general terms such MEGALITH (a large stone) or MONOLITH (a single stone), both of which are formed of Greek elements.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Monday, January 23, 2012
DRACONIC
TileHead’s Word of the Day for 23 January 2012
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
DRACONIC (adj.)
Definition(s):
Useful information for game players:
Epilogue:
The ancient Greek word drakon (“dragon, serpent”) probably derived from a verb meaning “to see clearly,” which may help explain why dragons are often depicted as watchful guardians. Similarly, the ancient Greek legislator Drakon (or Draco) may have been so called because of his keen eye for the law. His code of laws was said to be so strict that it was “written in blood,” as it specified the death penalty for even relatively minor offenses. The word DRACONIAN (marked by severity or harshness) stems from this association.
But drakon and its progeny also influenced several other words. A French form gave English the familiar word DRAGON, and the Latin form draco is behind DRACONIC as well as DRACAENA / DRACENA (a tropical shrub or tree) and FIREDRAKE (a fire-breathing dragon).
Although dragons often have negative connotations in Western culture, they are symbols of strength and good luck in many Asian cultures. Speaking of which, today is the beginning of the auspicious Year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar. Happy lunar new year!
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
DRACONIC (adj.)
Definition(s):
- (adj.) pertaining to a dragon
- (adj.) draconian: marked by extreme severity or cruelty
Useful information for game players:
- Front hooks: (none)
- Back hooks: (none)
- Anagrams: CANCROID
- Longer extensions: (none)
- Wraparounds: (none)
- Other Spellings: (none)
- Related Forms: DRACONIAN (adj.)
Epilogue:
The ancient Greek word drakon (“dragon, serpent”) probably derived from a verb meaning “to see clearly,” which may help explain why dragons are often depicted as watchful guardians. Similarly, the ancient Greek legislator Drakon (or Draco) may have been so called because of his keen eye for the law. His code of laws was said to be so strict that it was “written in blood,” as it specified the death penalty for even relatively minor offenses. The word DRACONIAN (marked by severity or harshness) stems from this association.
But drakon and its progeny also influenced several other words. A French form gave English the familiar word DRAGON, and the Latin form draco is behind DRACONIC as well as DRACAENA / DRACENA (a tropical shrub or tree) and FIREDRAKE (a fire-breathing dragon).
Although dragons often have negative connotations in Western culture, they are symbols of strength and good luck in many Asian cultures. Speaking of which, today is the beginning of the auspicious Year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar. Happy lunar new year!
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sunday, January 22, 2012
"failure... is instructive"
Quote of the Week:
A great advantage of possession of the habit of reflective activity is that failure is not mere failure. It is instructive. The person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failures as from his successes.... Nothing shows the trained thinker better than the use he makes of his errors and mistakes.
~ John Dewey (1859-1952)
Friday, January 20, 2012
MATILDA
TileHead’s Word of the Day for 20 January 2012
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
MATILDA (n. pl. -S)
Definition(s):
Useful information for game players:
Epilogue:
There are several terms for a hobo’s bundle, and almost all of them come from Australia, where to go on a WALKABOUT or to go “waltzing MATILDA” is to go drifting about with only a small number of personal belongings. No one knows exactly how this sense of “Matilda” developed, but one theory is that a hobo’s bundle becomes like his “wife” or travel companion on the road. The term was further popularized by the song “Waltzing Matilda,” first written in the 1890s.
Also from Australian English are BLUEY and SWAG, both of which can mean “a bag of personal belongings carried in travel” — the former because belongings were often wrapped in a blue blanket and the latter perhaps because of the way such a bundle “swags” or sways while in motion. Similarly, a SWAGMAN is a drifter, especially one who carries his belongings around while looking for work.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
MATILDA (n. pl. -S)
Definition(s):
- (n.) a hobo’s bundle or pack; a bundle of personal belongings carried by a traveler
Useful information for game players:
- Front hooks: (none)
- Back hooks: -S
- Anagrams: (none)
- Longer extensions: (none)
- Wraparounds: (none)
- Other Spellings: (none)
- Related Forms: (none)
Epilogue:
There are several terms for a hobo’s bundle, and almost all of them come from Australia, where to go on a WALKABOUT or to go “waltzing MATILDA” is to go drifting about with only a small number of personal belongings. No one knows exactly how this sense of “Matilda” developed, but one theory is that a hobo’s bundle becomes like his “wife” or travel companion on the road. The term was further popularized by the song “Waltzing Matilda,” first written in the 1890s.
Also from Australian English are BLUEY and SWAG, both of which can mean “a bag of personal belongings carried in travel” — the former because belongings were often wrapped in a blue blanket and the latter perhaps because of the way such a bundle “swags” or sways while in motion. Similarly, a SWAGMAN is a drifter, especially one who carries his belongings around while looking for work.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
LORGNON
TileHead’s Word of the Day for 17 January 2012
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
LORGNON (n. pl. -S)
Definition(s):
Useful information for game players:
Epilogue:
Modern opera glasses are usually simple and compact BINOCULARS with low levels of magnification (sometimes known as Galilean binoculars). LORGNONS or LORGNETTES, on the other hand, are those old-timey glasses with a little handle for holding them up to the face, suitable for the opera or anywhere about town. They were probably not very useful for improving vision, but one looked jolly fashionable while using them! The word derives from the Middle French lorgne, meaning “squinting.”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
LORGNON (n. pl. -S)
Definition(s):
- (n.) a pair of eyeglasses or opera glasses with a handle
- (n.) a monocle or pair of eyeglasses
Useful information for game players:
- Front hooks: (none)
- Back hooks: -S
- Anagrams: (none)
- Longer extensions: (none)
- Wraparounds: (none)
- Other Spellings: (none)
- Related Forms: LORGNETTE
Epilogue:
Modern opera glasses are usually simple and compact BINOCULARS with low levels of magnification (sometimes known as Galilean binoculars). LORGNONS or LORGNETTES, on the other hand, are those old-timey glasses with a little handle for holding them up to the face, suitable for the opera or anywhere about town. They were probably not very useful for improving vision, but one looked jolly fashionable while using them! The word derives from the Middle French lorgne, meaning “squinting.”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sunday, January 15, 2012
"Some things you learn best..."
Quote of the Week:
There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.
~ Willa Cather (1873-1947)
Friday, January 13, 2012
BENTHIC
TileHead’s Word of the Day for 13 January 2012
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
BENTHIC (adj.)
Definition(s):
Useful information for game players:
Epilogue:
The German biologist Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) coined the word BENTHOS to refer to life forms that inhabit the deep sea floor. He patterned it after a form of the Greek word bathys (“deep”), the same root behind words such as:
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
BENTHIC (adj.)
Definition(s):
- (adj.) pertaining to oceanic depths
- (adj.) pertaining to the bottom of a body of water
Useful information for game players:
- Front hooks: (none)
- Back hooks: (none)
- Anagrams: BITCHEN
- Longer extensions: (none)
- Wraparounds: (none)
- Other Spellings: (none)
- Related Forms: BENTHAL, BENTHON, BENTHOS, BENTHONIC
Epilogue:
The German biologist Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) coined the word BENTHOS to refer to life forms that inhabit the deep sea floor. He patterned it after a form of the Greek word bathys (“deep”), the same root behind words such as:
- BATHYAL: pertaining to deep water
- BATHYSCAPH or BATHYSCAPHE: a navigable deep sea vessel having a watertight cabin attached to its underside
- BATHYSPHERE: a diving sphere for deep see observation
- BATHYPELAGIC: of or living in the ocean depths, especially between approximately 2000 and 12000 feet (600 and 3600 meters)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Monday, January 9, 2012
TUCKET
TileHead’s Word of the Day for 9 January 2012
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
TUCKET (n. pl. -S)
Definition(s):
Useful information for game players:
Epilogue:
This word sort of makes you want to say “Da da da dut da duh!” It was often used in the stage directions of Elizabethan plays and still sees occasional use when referring to trumpet flourishes. It may derive from the Middle English tukken (“to beat a drum”) or the Old Northern French toquer (“to sound on a drum”), and it is probably related to the Italian toccare (“to touch”), the same root behind the word TOCCATO (a musical composition for an organ or keyboard instrument).
But, wait, there’s more. “Da da da dut da duh!” English has another word for this idea, also dating from Elizabethan times: a SENNET is a call sounded on a trumpet, especially one signaling the entrance or exit of a body of actors on the stage. It is probably etymologically related to the word SIGNET.
On themes and such:
Speaking of entering and exiting with a flourish, these word-of-the-day entries may be more random and less frequent over the next couple weeks, and they will not necessarily be linked by any theme. Thanks for your readership and I hope you will enjoy the entries when they do come.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
TUCKET (n. pl. -S)
Definition(s):
- (n.) a flourish on a trumpet; a trumpet fanfare
- (n.) a signal for marching used by cavalry troops
Useful information for game players:
- Front hooks: (none)
- Back hooks: -S
- Anagrams: (none)
- Longer extensions: (none)
- Wraparounds: (none)
- Other Spellings: (none)
- Related Forms: (none)
Epilogue:
This word sort of makes you want to say “Da da da dut da duh!” It was often used in the stage directions of Elizabethan plays and still sees occasional use when referring to trumpet flourishes. It may derive from the Middle English tukken (“to beat a drum”) or the Old Northern French toquer (“to sound on a drum”), and it is probably related to the Italian toccare (“to touch”), the same root behind the word TOCCATO (a musical composition for an organ or keyboard instrument).
But, wait, there’s more. “Da da da dut da duh!” English has another word for this idea, also dating from Elizabethan times: a SENNET is a call sounded on a trumpet, especially one signaling the entrance or exit of a body of actors on the stage. It is probably etymologically related to the word SIGNET.
On themes and such:
Speaking of entering and exiting with a flourish, these word-of-the-day entries may be more random and less frequent over the next couple weeks, and they will not necessarily be linked by any theme. Thanks for your readership and I hope you will enjoy the entries when they do come.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sunday, January 8, 2012
"the leaves of the tree of language..."
Quote of the Week:
Words are the leaves of the tree of language, of which, if some fall away, a new succession takes their place.
~ John French (1949- )
Friday, January 6, 2012
VATIC
TileHead’s Word of the Day for 6 January 2012
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
VATIC (adj.)
Definition(s):
Useful information for game players:
Epilogue:
This time of the year is filled with VATICINATORS, who VATICINATE on matters of all kinds. It’s a veritable VATIC or VATICINAL frenzy, and you might be forgiven for contemplating VATICIDE now and then.
All these words derive from the Latin vates, a word that originally meant “poet” but eventually came to mean “seer” or “prophet.” The connection stems from the belief that ancient poets composed their poems through a divine force or guidance, and prophecies were often issued in verse form.
Recapping this week’s words: HOGMANAY, HANDSEL, JANIFORM, and VATIC
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
VATIC (adj.)
Definition(s):
- (adj.) pertaining to a prophet; oracular; prophetical
Useful information for game players:
- Front hooks: (none)
- Back hooks: (none)
- Anagrams: (none)
- Longer extensions: SYLvatic, vaticIDE/S, vaticINAL, vaticINATE (v.), vaticINATOR/S, vaticINATION/S
- Wraparounds: (none)
- Other Spellings: (none)
- Related Forms: VATICAL, VATICINAL
Epilogue:
This time of the year is filled with VATICINATORS, who VATICINATE on matters of all kinds. It’s a veritable VATIC or VATICINAL frenzy, and you might be forgiven for contemplating VATICIDE now and then.
All these words derive from the Latin vates, a word that originally meant “poet” but eventually came to mean “seer” or “prophet.” The connection stems from the belief that ancient poets composed their poems through a divine force or guidance, and prophecies were often issued in verse form.
Recapping this week’s words: HOGMANAY, HANDSEL, JANIFORM, and VATIC
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
JANIFORM
TileHead’s Word of the Day for 4 January 2012
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
JANIFORM (adj.)
Definition(s):
Useful information for game players:
Epilogue:
The Roman deity Janus was was regarded as the guardian of doors and of times of new beginnings or transition. He was usually depicted as having two faces, one looking forward and one looking backward — a perfect metaphor for the passing from one year to the next, as we simultaneously reflect on days gone by and look forward to the future.
As you might have guessed, the word JANIFORM derives from Janus, as does the name for the month of January, which opens the door to a new year.
This week’s theme: Words for a new year
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
JANIFORM (adj.)
Definition(s):
- (adj.) having two faces looking in opposite directions (as the Roman god Janus)
- (adj.) hypocritical; two-faced; deceitful
- (adj.) having two contrasting aspects or characteristics
Useful information for game players:
- Front hooks: (none)
- Back hooks: (none)
- Anagrams: (none)
- Longer extensions: (none)
- Wraparounds: (none)
- Other Spellings: (none)
- Related Forms: (none)
Epilogue:
The Roman deity Janus was was regarded as the guardian of doors and of times of new beginnings or transition. He was usually depicted as having two faces, one looking forward and one looking backward — a perfect metaphor for the passing from one year to the next, as we simultaneously reflect on days gone by and look forward to the future.
As you might have guessed, the word JANIFORM derives from Janus, as does the name for the month of January, which opens the door to a new year.
This week’s theme: Words for a new year
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sunday, January 1, 2012
HOGMANAY
TileHead’s Word of the Day for 1 January 2012
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
HOGMANAY (n. pl. -S)
Definition(s):
Useful information for game players:
Epilogue:
Traditional customs associated with HOGMANAY / HOGMENAY / HOGMANE are described in several old books, such as:
Though some of the old traditions may have fallen out of fashion, modern versions of HOGMANAY are still popular, especially in parts of Scotland. For example, this year’s “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay” event featured live music, fireworks, a torchlight procession, and other festivities.
The ultimate etymology of the word is a little murky. It may be from an Old French word meaning “New Year’s Day” or “New Year’s gift” or from an old Scandinavian word related to YULE celebrations, but, in any case, the word started appearing regularly in English (with a variety of creative spellings) in the 1600s.
Happy New Year!
This week’s theme: Words for a new year
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
HOGMANAY (n. pl. -S)
Definition(s):
- (n.) a celebration of New Year’s Eve or New Year’s day
- (n.) a present requested or given on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s day, or a shout or cry used to elicit gifts on those days
Useful information for game players:
- Front hooks: (none)
- Back hooks: -S
- Anagrams: MAHOGANY
- Longer extensions: (none)
- Wraparounds: (none)
- Other Spellings: HOGMANE, HOGMENAY
- Related Forms: (none)
Epilogue:
Traditional customs associated with HOGMANAY / HOGMENAY / HOGMANE are described in several old books, such as:
In Scotland the last day of the old year was called ‘Hogmanay,’ and in England ‘Hagmana’; and in both countries the evening of that day was passed by a great part of the community in mirth and jollity, visiting one another and first-footing from door to door with hot pints, dram bottles, cheese-cakes, and other goodies — both gentle and sympill joining in boisterous congratulations, shaking of hands, and wishing many happy returns of the eve to their fellow-jovials.First-footing was a custom wherein the first person to cross the threshold of a home in the wee hours of the new year was thought to bring good luck to the house — all the more so, naturally, if the first-footer brought food, drink, and gifts.
~ David Robertson & Robert Reid, Glasgow, Past and Present (1884)
Though some of the old traditions may have fallen out of fashion, modern versions of HOGMANAY are still popular, especially in parts of Scotland. For example, this year’s “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay” event featured live music, fireworks, a torchlight procession, and other festivities.
The ultimate etymology of the word is a little murky. It may be from an Old French word meaning “New Year’s Day” or “New Year’s gift” or from an old Scandinavian word related to YULE celebrations, but, in any case, the word started appearing regularly in English (with a variety of creative spellings) in the 1600s.
Happy New Year!
This week’s theme: Words for a new year
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
"We shall not cease from exploration..."
Quote of the Week:
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
~ T.S. Eliot (1888-1965), "Little Gidding"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)