SITZMARK

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 23 December 2011

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SITZMARK  (n. pl. -S)

Definition(s):

1. (n.) a depression left in the snow by a skier who has fallen backward
2. (n.) an act of falling backward on skis

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:
Much of the specialized vocabulary of skiing comes from Europe, where the activity can be traced back to ancient times.  Norwegian gave us the word SKI itself, as well as CHRISTIE or CHRISTY (a skiing turn), KLISTER (a wax for skis), SKIJORING (being drawn over snow by a horse or vehicle), SLALOM (to ski in a zigzag), and TELEMARK (a type of skiing turn). 

Nearby Germany has contributed its share of skiing terminology as well: the amusing SITZMARK derives from German, as do MOGUL (a bump on a ski slope), SCHUSS (to make a fast, straight run in skiing), VORLAGE (a position in skiing), and WEDEL or WEDELN (a skiing technique).


Tilehead will be hibernating next week.  In the meantime, for more wintry words, curl up with last year’s HIBERNAL entry.


Recapping this week’s words: SASTRUGA, YULETIDE, ALGID, and SITZMARK


Seasons greetings to all!

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