I used to like this word, but, for various reasons, it now reminds me of UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who I am finding increasingly disappointing and irritating!
Update on my last comment. The only thing I seem to have difficulty moving is "j'oublie tout, donc je suis :)". Is it something to do with the :) at the end?
Or maybe Wordie has a temporary aversion to French?
"Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game, and dumb enough to think it's important." Eugene McCarthy, US politician (1916 - 2005).
I absolutely agree with Prof Ortega y Gasset. As a general medical practitioner, it really annoys me that specialists of one sort or another are afforded greater respect than are GPs.
In my opinion, it requires much more effort to maintain your skills as a generalist and with the increasing complexity of medicine there is a greater and greater requirement for non-specialists to give balanced advice to patients.
Fascinating, bilby. There have been many times when I would have liked to hang one of my own children on a wall peg: ideally without swaddling them first!
Personally, I don't think there is nearly enough swaddling going on. I would quite like to be swaddled on a regular basis.
I was glad this raised a few issues, and mollydot is right that I was brought up in a nominally Christian family with 2 parents that went to church. This may well affect my views.
To my mind, it doesn't matter a whit what anyone believes as long as they don't try and force their beliefs down someone else's throat. Tolerance is, I think, a key attribute of a good human being.
With the huge challenges our little planet faces, surely the things we have in common are far more important than the differences between us?
I don't understand this growing reluctance to mention things like Christmas. I am not religious at all, but I really enjoy Christmas. I can't see why using terms like "holiday season" improves relations between people.
Does anyone recognise this WeirdNet definition ("a black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink") as what they think of as smut?
Bruit is also the term applied to the sound heard (with a stethoscope) over a narrowed artery (for example, the carotid). It is caused by turbulent blood flow.
Many thanks from me too, John! You have created yet another reason why I never have time to do any work. The site is becoming more and more interesting, and I will be fascinated to see how it develops in its second year.
I have a thing about tagging. I feel that a tag for a word in Wordie should be different from its definition. It should record a quality of the word that others might find useful in creating lists.
For example, I tagged the word "flaccid" with "stiffness" since, by my way of thinking, flaccid is used to refer to stiffness (admittedly a low degree of stiffness).
chained_bear thinks this is very odd. What do other Wordies think?
Comments by sonofgroucho
Show previous 200 comments...
sonofgroucho commented on the list sweet-tooth-fairy
Brilliant idea for a list. Must try to think of some!
January 28, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word backhander
An illicit payment. A bribe.
January 28, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word sudoku
Excellent!
January 28, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word mandelbrot set
Here's a visual explanation:
January 28, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word mongoose
:-)
January 27, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word joke
Thanks Treeseed! I just heard it today on the radio in a piece about joke-telling in suppressive political regimes.
January 26, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word work out
I've been trying to work out how I can lose 2 stones without dieting or exercising more.
I haven't worked it out yet...
January 26, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word joke
"Every joke is a tiny revolution." George Orwell.
January 26, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word spade
"Call a spade a spade."
January 26, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word citizen
Food for thought:
"Illegal aliens have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian."
Robert Orben
January 26, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word druseless
Sorry!
January 26, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word druseless
Useless at drawing----like what I am.
That's why I love photography.
January 25, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word drawkward
A more extreme form could be druseless.
January 25, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word awkward
I'm definitely drawkward. Virtually druseless, in fact.
January 25, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word ambidextrous
Quite.
January 25, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word newspeak
Newspeak was a brilliant concept. So much of what Orwell predicted seems familiar to me living in a 21st century so-called democracy.
January 25, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word turkish delight
Turkish delight is delightful.
January 24, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word repossession
:-)
January 24, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word ambidextrous
I'd give both arms to be ambidextrous.
January 24, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word dishonour
"Male parta, male dilabuntur." (What is dishonourably got is dishonourably squandered). Cicero, Philippics II, 27.
See also dishonor.
January 24, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word fandabidozi
I thought Christmas was the prime time for unwanted gifts!
January 24, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word chickadee
Here's a picture of one from my friend Kim---one of the best bird photographers on Flickr. I'm meeting her in Washington in April.
January 23, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the list bizarre-exclamations
Thanks, sionnach!
January 23, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word planetarium
There is a fabulous planetarium in the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York:
January 23, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word ott
Over the top.
January 23, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word grommet
Not to be confused with Gromit.
January 23, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word levee
"When the levee breaks" Led Zeppelin, 1971.
January 23, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word bowels
"I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken." Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658).
January 22, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word unflappable
I am not this, but would love to be!
January 22, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word d.i.v.o.r.c.e
You know the one.
January 22, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the list truly-awful-music
That is a stinker, Treeseed! Please feel free to add it to the list!
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word d.i.s.c.o
Listen if you dare!
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word snoopy and the red baron
It's an illness...
Some day there will be a cure!
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word snoopy and the red baron
Is this the one?
Quite catchy, actually! *he said, jokingly.*
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word seasons in the sun
We had joy, we had fun...
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word copacabana
That is, indeed, a delicious insult!
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word copacabana
Barry Manilow is the spawn of the Devil.
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word copacabana
Well you may blush!
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word goody
Also opposite of baddy.
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word baddy
As opposed to goody?
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word catch a falling star
Yep, this one's a baddy!
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word mandy
See also Copacabana.
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word copacabana
I suppose you like "Mandy" too, you sick individual!
January 21, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word copacabana
You know the one.
January 20, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word timothy
Now I see what you mean!
January 20, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word shaddup you face
By Joe Dolce, in case you didn't know!
January 20, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word timothy
How does this one go?
January 20, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word girl from ipanema
I like the girl from Ipanema!
The song is rubbish, though!
January 20, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word lady of spain
...I adore you.
January 20, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word lemon curd
Me too, but I haven't had it for a while.
January 20, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word the wheels on the bus
I suppose I should thank you for adding this to "Truly Awful Music", but I just can't bring myself to do it!
January 20, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the list house-officer-argot
Have you read "The House of God" by any chance?
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the list truly-awful-music
@jennarenn: That's just WRONG!
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the list truly-awful-music
I've added Chicken Dance, c-b, and I've made the list open, so feel free to add your "favourites"!
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word chicken dance
You mean this, don't you? Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!
And there's that bloody accordion, again!
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word una paloma blanca
For those of you fortunate enough not to have heard it.
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word ob la di ob la da
@c_b: You ARE kidding, aren't you?
@arcadia: "The Ballad of John and Yoko" is pretty bad. I don't think I've had the pleasure of hearing "Honey Don't."
Should I seek it out?
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word accordion
God, I hate the accordion!
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word e viva espagna
Here it is played on the accordion, my least favourite instrument.
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word honeycomb cowfish
Acanthostracion polygonius. These pictures are from my friend JumpinJack: 1 and 2.
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word ob la di ob la da
Surely the worst Beatles song?
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word typhlobasia
Apparently means "kissing with eyes closed".
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word manualism
Good grief! And I thought "Ob La Di Ob La Da" couldn't get any worse!
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word manualism
More manualism: this time "The Mexican Hat Dance".
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word aphorism
Atheist aphorisms.
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the list snoopy
Awesome list.
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word peanuts
Term also refers to the series of cartoons by Charles M Schulz including Charlie Brown, his friends, and his dog Snoopy.
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word wishy-washy liberal
From Peanuts, of course. Good Ol' Charlie Brown, eh?
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word wishy-washy liberal
I love this phrase. I think I probably am one of these.
Is that OK?
January 19, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word kiosk
This is Trajan's Kiosk in Egypt:
January 18, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word wordie treatment
I see what you mean! Yarb's "I'm loving this new kind of discursive, almost literary spam." is such an elegant verbal "kick in the goolies".
January 18, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word hanky-panky
Spelled hanky panky by some.
January 17, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word hanky
A handkerchief.
January 17, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word fing
Fings ain't what they used to be...
January 17, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word worry
January 17, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word rife
Yea, verily.
January 16, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word brainfart
Not sure what this is, but I think it's not a good thing to have.
January 16, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word parenthood
Overall I agree parenthood is a great thing, if stressful at times.
I'm not sure what gave Larkin such a jaundiced view!
January 15, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word dark energy
Heard about this fascinating concept on the radio last week.
January 14, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word parent
See also parenthood.
January 14, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word parenthood
Some thoughts on parenthood:
"By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong." Charles Wadsworth.
"Few things are more satisfying than seeing your own children have teenagers of their own." Doug Larson.
And finally, from Philip Larkin:
This Be The Verse
They fuck you up, your mum and dad.
They may not mean to, but they do.
They fill you with the faults they had
And add some extra, just for you.
But they were fucked up in their turn
By fools in old-style hats and coats,
Who half the time were soppy-stern
And half at one another's throats.
Man hands on misery to man.
It deepens like a coastal shelf.
Get out as early as you can,
And don't have any kids yourself.
Where do the views of any Wordie parents lie?
January 14, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word btw
By the way.
January 13, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word preworry
This is one of my greatest failings.
January 13, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word gimp
Gimp runs on Windows and the Mac OS too, although I haven't tried it.
January 11, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word half-windsor knot
This is the knot I use, if anyone is interested!
January 11, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word recrudescence
You never seem to hear of crudescence, do you?
January 11, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word crock of bollocks
I came across this sort of thing as a medical student, but I wouldn't have thought it was encountered often!
January 10, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word wordometer envy
This has wrecked lives...
January 10, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word overprotectionism
Brilliant illustrative blog post here (excuse the shameless self-promotion).
January 10, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word imho
I've also come across "In my holy opinion". Perhaps this would be Mr Romney's favoured option?
January 10, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word cabal
Mmm... interesting!
January 9, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word hanging-parrot
Found exclusively in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon?
January 9, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word mull
My first thought is the rumination activity!
January 9, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word microfiche
Of course...
January 9, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the list frivolous-units-of-measurement
Great idea for a list.
January 9, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word imho
In my honest opinion.
January 9, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word social software
Wordie is a good example of social software IMHO.
January 9, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word alsome
Thanks, c-b, for the link. Hilarious stuff!
January 6, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word ridesearcher
Ah, you mean like opportunist, dick head?
January 6, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the list carpool
Well spotted, yarb! Hopefully, he's got the message.
January 6, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word prudence
I used to like this word, but, for various reasons, it now reminds me of UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who I am finding increasingly disappointing and irritating!
January 6, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word pestilence
The WordNet definition refers specifically to plague. Surely pestilence is a more general term?
January 6, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word alter ego
I abhor disguises....
January 5, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word rehab
They tried to make me go to rehab, I said "No, no, no!"
January 3, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word maggie's nipples
Come on, bilby, you made this one up!
January 3, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word infandous
That example will stick in my mind, sionnach.
Thank you SO much!
January 2, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word harsh
This word seems to be a bit trendy at the moment.
January 2, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word snivelard
This is a fine word: must try to weave it into my conversation soon.
January 2, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word bugs
Update on my last comment. The only thing I seem to have difficulty moving is "j'oublie tout, donc je suis :)". Is it something to do with the :) at the end?
Or maybe Wordie has a temporary aversion to French?
January 2, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word bugs
Hi John. Happy New Year! Getting a "500 application error" when I try to move a word from one list to another.
January 2, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word happy new year
Thanks, Bilby. Have a great one!
January 1, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word drivel
See also drool.
January 1, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word drool
Don't you mean drivel?
Actually, I think this is the word WeirdNet is getting confused with drool!
January 1, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word drool
Intriguing WeirdNet definition! I think of drool as being a noun or verb connected with salivation!
January 1, 2008
sonofgroucho commented on the word auld lang syne
I am a Scotsman and I have no idea what this means! I see what you mean about the earworm, though!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa................
December 31, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word warning
Warning
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
Jenny Joseph
December 30, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word politics
"Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game, and dumb enough to think it's important." Eugene McCarthy, US politician (1916 - 2005).
December 29, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word diaphoresis
aka sweating!
December 29, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word subtle
What a strange little word this is!
December 29, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word intriguing
I really like this word, and use it a lot. I'm surprised more Wordies haven't listed it.
December 28, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word generalist
I absolutely agree with Prof Ortega y Gasset. As a general medical practitioner, it really annoys me that specialists of one sort or another are afforded greater respect than are GPs.
In my opinion, it requires much more effort to maintain your skills as a generalist and with the increasing complexity of medicine there is a greater and greater requirement for non-specialists to give balanced advice to patients.
Rant over.
December 28, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word generalist
Specialists are so over-rated.
December 27, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list craig-childs-list
December 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word happy
Dad was so wise, wasn't he?
December 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word :-)
aka :) and opposite of :-( or :(.
December 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word :-(
aka :( and opposite of :-) or :).
December 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word sex
Excellent: that one was new to me!
December 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list craig-childs-list
Rarely have I seen such wit---thankfully.
December 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word merry christmas
"It's people like you what cause unrest."
December 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list lessons-in-marxism
Then, of course, there's "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana."
December 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list lessons-in-marxism
One of my favourites is : "Anyone who says he can see through women is missing a lot."
December 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word robosexual
It seems that some think this will become more than a minority interest in the foreseeable future!
December 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word orgasmatron
See Wikipedia definition. See also robosexual.
December 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word wenckebach phenomenon
The serious definition.
The less serious YouTube definition.
December 23, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word merry christmas
I think I may have solved the problem of what greeting to use. Try this!
December 23, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word partridge in a pear tree
You have too much time on your hands!
December 22, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word bulla
Fancy name for a blister.
December 22, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word merry christmas
But what about women?
December 22, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word swaddling
Yea, see swaddle....
December 22, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word swaddle
Fascinating, bilby. There have been many times when I would have liked to hang one of my own children on a wall peg: ideally without swaddling them first!
Personally, I don't think there is nearly enough swaddling going on. I would quite like to be swaddled on a regular basis.
Just saying...
December 22, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word snowman
I had no idea this was a golfing term. We live and learn.
December 22, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word frosty
Also a famous snowman. A "happy, jolly soul" by all accounts.
December 22, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word merry christmas
Make mine a large one, John!
December 21, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word merry christmas
I was glad this raised a few issues, and mollydot is right that I was brought up in a nominally Christian family with 2 parents that went to church. This may well affect my views.
To my mind, it doesn't matter a whit what anyone believes as long as they don't try and force their beliefs down someone else's throat. Tolerance is, I think, a key attribute of a good human being.
With the huge challenges our little planet faces, surely the things we have in common are far more important than the differences between us?
December 21, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word fog
Not nice to drive through (as I did last night), but can be quite pretty.
December 21, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word merry christmas
I don't understand this growing reluctance to mention things like Christmas. I am not religious at all, but I really enjoy Christmas. I can't see why using terms like "holiday season" improves relations between people.
Thoughts, anyone?
December 21, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word the truth is out there
Out where?
December 21, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word lawyer
See The Spawn of the Devil.
December 21, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word bugs
Can't seem to tag anything just now, John. Keep getting the old "500 Application Error" message.
December 20, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word lurgy
Tends to be dreaded.
December 20, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the user john
I see Wordie now has over 6000 users. Congratulations, John!
December 19, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word condescending
Some useful phrases here. Mainly applicable to the working environment I think.
December 18, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word attorney
What nationality is your other ear?
December 18, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word rage
I love this little word, although it's not my most attractive feature.
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word einsteinium
Sometimes well-deserved recognition is so long in coming.
That Einstein guy was pretty daft, really.
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word orbit
Also the part of the skull in which the eye sits.
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word laughter
I love that quotation.
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word trench coat
I've got two of these, but I've never been in a trench.
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word hellebore
I love hellebores.
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word goingogningmhogmhogmhogmhogmhogm
Eh?
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word fogey
I wonder what fogeys are called when they are young?
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word mummichog
What about babichog?
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word temperamental
That WeirdNet definition is so helpful.
Maybe I'm just being temperamental....
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word glasgow smile
What does this mean?
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word vibraslap
You mean it isn't?
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word killifish
As well it might be!
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word fettle
I thought this was particularly Scottish. Am I wrong?
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word camel
Apparently, the doctors' favourite cigarette!
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word stocious
Why do we Scots (and Irish) have so many words for drunk? It's a mystery to me.
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list baying-wherewords
Amazing! Why didn't I think of these?
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word mankini
Borat would be proud!
December 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list baying-wherewords
Thanks, rolig.
December 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word murrderr
Really enjoy your contributions to Wordie. Merry Christmas to you!
December 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list problem-words
Superb idea for a list!
December 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word springsteen
Reborn in the USA?
December 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word murrderr
You got this one from Taggart, didn't you, bilby?
December 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word apt
Fab little word.
December 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word gurnard
Amazing creature!
December 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word och
...aye the noo!
December 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word long-eared jerboa
December 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list baying-wherewords
Thanks guys!
December 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list tom-swifties
Tell us! Tell us!!
December 14, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word mysteriously
Interesting choice of example!
December 14, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word ensnorkelled
Fab.
December 14, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word physic
Lovely old word.
December 14, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word monkey
Nice link, bilby. Thought-provoking stuff.
December 13, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word cudslide
I'm going to have to ruminate about that.
December 13, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word moroculous
Reference here.
December 13, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word alack
Alas, you do, indeed.
December 13, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word slumgum
Ah, it's a beekeeping word! Are you both devotees?
December 13, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the user reesetee
I see you mention your birds, reestee. What birds do you have, if you don't mind me asking?
December 13, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word cannibalism
Is this the sort of thing you had in mind?
December 12, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word alack
Often seen hanging around alas.
December 12, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word alas
Not to mention alack.
December 12, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word philately
I wonder how many Wordies are or were collectors of other things?
December 12, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word Synonym
"A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the word you first thought of." Burt Bacharach
December 12, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word slumgum
What on Earth is this, Palooka?
December 12, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word loons
Loons and quines feature in Doric, the dialect of North-East Scotland.
December 11, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word by and large
I had no idea this had a nautical origin!
December 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word plumigerous
Indeed, this is a great find.
December 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word erotology
Good luck from me too!
December 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word sprout
Here is the solution for those with sprout woes.
December 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word logophile brussels sprouts appreciation group
It seems brussels sprouts are an issue with one of my favourite bloggers too!
December 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word fourth estate
I know I should know, but remind me what the other three are, please!
December 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word lynchpin
What a solid, reliable little word!
December 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word boogie
I blame it on this.
December 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word waylay
Is it just me, or does this word have a Chinese feel to it?
December 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word moofer
I didn't make it up. It was in the Sunday Times today (so it must be right, yea?)!
December 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word dinky
Is also an acronym for double income no kids yet. This is a term used to describe those who defer parenthood, usually for financial reasons.
December 9, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word moofer
Apparently, this stands for mobile out-of-office worker IE
those folk who tote laptops and multi-buttoned mobile phones and are so important they can't restrict themselves to one place.
December 9, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word shiver
Synonymous with rigor in medicine.
December 9, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word encomium
Sounds like a chemical element!
December 9, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word neodymium
Has anyone ever seen this stuff? Great name, though!
December 9, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word pike
"Pike" by Ted Hughes.
December 9, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word slacktivist
I like this one. I can think of a few folk that fall into this category.
December 9, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word pornosophy
Is this a weird alliance between pornography and philosophy?
December 9, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word smut
Does anyone recognise this WeirdNet definition ("a black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink") as what they think of as smut?
December 8, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word papaya
Where would we be without phrases like "huge deeply palmately cleft leaves"? I feel quite aroused.
December 8, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word surly
You made that up, didn't you?
December 8, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word surly
Spot on!
December 8, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word astereognosis
Definition here.
December 8, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word surely
I loved that film!
December 8, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word surly
As opposed to surely...
December 8, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word lawyer bird
Is this the bird that charges ornithologists by the hour?
December 8, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word ods bodkins
What does this mean?
December 8, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word era
Dad had such a way with words.
December 7, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word p76
What was (is?) a p76?
December 7, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word oomph
Your guess is as good as mine!
December 7, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word glee
It is a feelgood word.
December 6, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word fuss budget
I first came across this term in Charles Schultz's Peanuts cartoons. It means a worrier.
December 5, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word saffron
You know, I was going to say that!
December 5, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word edge
I wonder how this came to mean an advantage in sport etc?
December 5, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word tagony
Great word, skipvia. It is one of my afflictions.
December 5, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word tapir
@pomegranate: What weirder things have you seen since?
@bilby: I've been called much worse than an ungulate!
December 5, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word truffle
I've never eaten one, but apparently they're quite expensive.
December 4, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word sproutitude
Leguminstas! :-)
December 4, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word bruit
Bruit is also the term applied to the sound heard (with a stethoscope) over a narrowed artery (for example, the carotid). It is caused by turbulent blood flow.
December 4, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word logophile brussels sprouts appreciation group
See sproutitude.
December 4, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word brussels sprout
See sprout, sproutitude.
December 4, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word sprout
I certainly can see a pattern developing here.
December 4, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word sproutitude
I feel like I've come home!
December 4, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word spodomancy
"Divination by means of ashes.", apparently!
December 4, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word (:)
I'd buy one of those. I'm always in favour of supporting local businesses!
December 4, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word rhodorhinorangifericide
Very seasonal, though, in a macabre sort of way!
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word arg
What memories! What memories!
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word continuum
I hate math, but I like this word.
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word wriggle
Would "the act of wiggling" not be wiggle? Dontchathink "wriggle" has a writhing quality to it?
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word sprout
Brothers under the skin....
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word rantallion
The opposite of a stallion, I suppose (see NinjaWords definition)!
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word laugh all over your shoes
You have way too much time on your hands...
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word wicker
I believe this is the definitive source on things wicker.
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word hooduknickabolockauf
Is it really that common (a name, that is)?
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list no-hablo-espaaol
Que? is all the Spanish I know!
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word wordie blogs
I sporadically empty my spare thoughts into The Voice of Reason----but it's been a while!
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list the-art-of-ejection
Similar to reesetee: "Speak to God on the big white telephone".
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word sprout
Well a lot has happened since 2002....
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word yon
See hither and thither.
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word hither
I forgot yon!
Hither, Thither and Yon: sounds like an international law firm.
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list the-art-of-ejection
Tasteful list.
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word sprout
I love brussels sprouts, but I usually only get to eat them at Christmas.
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word laugh all over your shoes
OK, bilby, where on Earth does this come from?
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word candida
I wouldn't make rash assumptions like that---we do have a very diverse membership.
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word candida
After all, none of us is perfect, are we VanishedOne?
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word thither
See also hither.
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word hither
Not to mention its unruly twin thither.
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word midden
Thank you, bilby. My wife has read a lot of Alasdair Gray, including 'Lanark'.
December 3, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word midden
Some Scots use midden as a synonym for a rubbish bin.
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word morsel
Quite!
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word quark
@sionnach: I apologise for my ignorant apostrophe: consider it removed.
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word dainty
Clever how weirdnet uses the word within its own definition!
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word morsel
Often dainty, in my experience.
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word great scott
Article here.
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word breadlet
Fabulous!
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word quark
I believe the word comes from Finnegan's Wake by James Joyce.
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word canoe
Here's one!
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word catacomb
Even better catacombs under Paris:
(I've seen the Roman ones too).
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word charger
I wondered why my mobile phone used to be so hard to hold onto!
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word diphthong
Ahhhhhhhhhh.. I see it now!
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list no-hablo-espaaol
Que?
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word mum
Have you pair ever thought of forming a comedy double act?
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word waterhouse friedrichsen syndrome
If you are interested.
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word kugelberg welander syndrome
Here's a reference.
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word mum
Informal word for mother in the UK IE UK equivalent of mom.
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word mom
Translates to mum in the UK.
December 2, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word pure dead brilliant
Glaswegian for "rather good".
December 1, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word deja lu
See also deja loo.
December 1, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word frings
These foolish frings remind me of you, bilby.
December 1, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list three-sheets-to-the-wind
Epic list!
December 1, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word xanthoma
See also xanthelasma.
December 1, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word catch my drift
I hadn't realised how many of my favourite phrases have a nautical origin! Thanks, reesetee!
December 1, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word tapir
Who is to say it is "inoffensive"?
December 1, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word pride
Pride goes before a fall.
November 30, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word bluetooth
Well that is fascinating!
November 30, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word espionage
Makes spying sound so glamorous.
November 30, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word deja loo
Brilliant!
November 30, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word athazagoraphobia
Fear of being forgotten or being ignored or forgetting!
November 30, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word nemaline
I'm afraid I've never seen a case!
November 29, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word nemaline
There's a rare disease called nemaline myopathy (if anybody's interested).
November 29, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word lingerie
Such a sexy word----or is it just me?
November 28, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word croissant
Why are all my favourite foods so fattening?
November 27, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word calzone
A sorted of pizza folded over on itself.
November 27, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word suffering succotash
As exclaimed by the cartoon cat Sylvester.
November 27, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word pakora
Yum, yum!
November 27, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word paratha
Yum!
November 27, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word flapjack
I used to love flapjacks when I was a kid!
November 27, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word td
Unfortunately, tedium is found in practically all workplaces, as far as I can see.
November 26, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word thanks
Sounds good to me!
November 26, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word in cahoots
I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
November 26, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word birthday
Hip! Hip! Hooray for Wordie!
November 26, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word thanks
Many thanks from me too, John! You have created yet another reason why I never have time to do any work. The site is becoming more and more interesting, and I will be fascinated to see how it develops in its second year.
November 26, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word lope
Just came across this in the excellent first novel "Vernon God Little."
November 26, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word woodworm
"You have done well, grasshopper!" as Master Po used to say.
However, I haven't a clue what you are talking about!
November 26, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word unrest
As in "It's people like you what cause unrest.".
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word dichotomy
It's people like you what cause unrest.
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word paradigm
@skipvia: Love the term "bullshit bingo"!
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word bullshit bingo
Spotted in skipvia's comment on "paradigm"
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word fortnight
I've just realised now (and I'm a bit older than thirty)!
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word woodworm
Definitely not one for Sog's Ark!
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word wormwood
As opposed to woodworm?
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word contrail
One of my favourite contrails.
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word gruesome twosome
I've always liked this phrase. Does anybody know where it originates?
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word europtimist
A very exclusive club, then? ;-)
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word urbanophobia
I presume there must be urbanophilia as well?
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word bugs
Somebody called Helga seems to be inserting spam comments with a link to a site selling replica watches. Twelve of these comments so far.
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word lull
An 'l' of a word.
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word chattle
Should this be chattel? I made the same mistake, if it should!
November 25, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word menoporsche
Describes the situation where elderly men buy a sports car, usually just before retirement.
November 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list human-powered-vehicles
Who would have thought that there were so many?
November 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word cabal
A former teacher of mine used to love this word. I quite like it too, but it is a bit pretentious dontchathink?
November 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word cranny
Often associated with one or more nooks.
November 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word nook
See also "cranny".
November 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word gravy train
This conjures up a rather bizarre image for me.
November 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the user bilby
Greetings, Bilby, from sunny Argyll & Bute.
November 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word nook
You are so wise, reesetee. Unless, of course, this is totally fabricated....
November 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word smack yourself in the head when you discover wordie syndrome
Becoming increasingly common, IMHO.
November 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word in cahoots
Where is Cahoots, anyway?
November 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word bugbear
Odd word, this one...
November 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word porcini
Singular Porcino.
November 24, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list a-testicle-by-any-other-name
HaHaHa!!! Dangerous things fireworks, eh?
November 23, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word shuffle off this mortal coil
Excellent! Who wrote this?
November 23, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word melee
Fight! Fight! Fight!
November 23, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word buggeration
I actually use this quite a lot.
November 23, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word tangled
"Oh, what tangled webs we weave, When we first practice to deceive." Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832).
November 22, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list exit-strategy
A list to die for! ;-)
November 22, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word equanimity
Surely epitomised by Kipling's "If"?
November 21, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list triads
Fabulous list.
November 21, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list panvocalics
Nice list. I had never heard of panvocalics before.
November 20, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word a case of you
Joni Mitchell is still one of my favourite song writers.
November 20, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word yggdrasil
Lovely concept. I've never heard of this before.
November 20, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word bugs
Seems to be a problem with the "add tags" box. It appears in an odd position at the top of the page and won't allow you to specify parts of speech.
November 20, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list you-are-what-you-eat
Awesome list!
November 20, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the user reesetee
Congratulations on reaching 10,000 words, reesetee. Are you going to retire now?
November 20, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word flawless
Still aspiring....
November 19, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word stupidism
Nice one. Deserves more use---God knows there are enough of them about!
November 18, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word big picture
I like this expression.
November 18, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word touchy feelie
Some spell this "touchy feely", but who is to say?
November 18, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word feelie
Also features in "touchy feelie".
November 18, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word moral bankruptcy
I am not worthy! I am not worthy!
November 18, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word bike sex
Inspired by this story.
I also loved this bit of the article:
"This is not the first legal case involving someone simulating sex with an inanimate object.
* In 1997 Robert Watt, 38, was fined £100 for trying to have sex with a shoe in an Edinburgh street
* In 2002 the same man was arrested for simulating sex with a traffic cone in front of a crowd of people."
November 18, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word moral bankruptcy
I've never actually thought about that!
November 18, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word clit mouse
Ahhhh...
November 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list what-does-xkcd-mean
Great idea for a list.
November 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word foreplay
Nice link.
November 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word moral bankruptcy
I'm with you on this one, sionnach!
November 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word iffy
aka dodgy.
November 17, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list obstinate-buffaloes
Here's a useful link on collective nouns.
November 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list obstinate-buffaloes
What do we think the collective noun for Wordies should be----a babble, perhaps?
November 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list obstinate-buffaloes
Who actually decides, for example, that a group of owls will be called a parliament?
November 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word holy carp
Indeed.
November 16, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word jobbie
Is this not a real word?
November 15, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word holy carp
Something fishy about this, surely?
November 15, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word claustrophobia
Very seasonal (almost)!
November 12, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the list action-movie-in-50-words
This is very clever.
November 12, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word tagging
You may be right! :-)
November 12, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word tagging
Tags added in this way would almost make Wordie like a thesaurus, but much more inclusive than a conventional thesaurus.
November 12, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word voluptuous
People who add an 'm' should be neutered, or at least told off in a stern and serious way.
November 12, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word tagging
I have a thing about tagging. I feel that a tag for a word in Wordie should be different from its definition. It should record a quality of the word that others might find useful in creating lists.
For example, I tagged the word "flaccid" with "stiffness" since, by my way of thinking, flaccid is used to refer to stiffness (admittedly a low degree of stiffness).
chained_bear thinks this is very odd. What do other Wordies think?
November 11, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word entropy
This is also a term used in thermodynamics.
November 11, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word slater
These are also called wood lice where we are.
November 11, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word impugn
Great word: not used nearly often enough. I feel as if it should be connected with impunity, but it doesn't seem to be.
November 11, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word random
Who would have though this word would have generated so much conversation?
November 11, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word flaccid
I'm going to make it my mission to tag some more words with "stiffness"---possibly completely at random.
November 11, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word gallivant
Does seem a word from a bygone age. Do you think people still do much gallivanting?
November 11, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word supercilious
I can't hear this word without wanting to put the word "twit" after it!
November 11, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word snazzy
I haven't heard this word for ages!
November 11, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word flaccid
It's a degree of stiffness: IE a small degree!
November 11, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word whortleberry
I wouldn't have anything to do with a flaccid European blueberry, would you?
So this is a real word?
November 11, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word aword
Indeed...
November 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word features
How about including tag searching? Sorry to keep going on about this!
November 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word aword
IE A word that has "a" at the start followed by another word---know what I mean?
November 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word nastygram
Not a term I had heard before, but seems quite well established.
November 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word moreish
Hate this word. Here's a definition.
November 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word agape
What an odd combination!
November 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word gynecomastia
The Brits know this as gynaecomastia.
November 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word gynaecomastia
Maybe you guys know it as gynecomastia?
November 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word monkey lips
Well that is interesting!
November 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word polypoly
First monopoly, then oligopoly, then...
November 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word oligopoly
More sociable than monopoly. There really should be polypoly!
November 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word womonym
Presumably the female version of a homonym?
November 10, 2007
sonofgroucho commented on the word karamel sutra
Nice one!
November 9, 2007
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