Beating About the Gooseberry Bush
Anatoly explores the origins of the word ‘gooseberry,’ and its related phrases.
Oxford’s Word Window: Week Three
This week’s word is: Rashomon.
Stew – Podictionary Word of the Day
The podictionary word is “stew.”
Everything is Tiptop
Long ago I wrote a column with the title “Tit for Tat.” Engl. tip for tap also existed at one time. Words like tip, tap, top, tick, tack, tock, tit, tat, tot, as well as those with voiced endings like tid– (compare tidbit), tad, and tod (“bush; fox”), are ideal candidates for sound imitative coinages.
Oxford’s Word Window: Week Two
This week’s word widow displays…
Using your Librarians
Ammon considers the help of librarians.
Hostage – Podictionary Word of the Day
The podictionary word of the week is “hostage”.
Why Don’t We Know the Origin of the Word Ghetto?
Anatoly reviews possible origins of the word ‘ghetto.’
Oxford’s Word Window: Week One
Think you are good with words? See if you know what the definition for this week’s “Word of the Week”.
Is A Book In The Library
Worth Two in the Offsite Storage Facility?
Ammon ponders the fate of libraries.
Kudos – Podictionary Word of the Day
The podictionary word of the week is “kudos”.
Monthly Gleanings: February 2009
Anatoly answers questions.
Comfortable – Podictionary Word of the Day
The podictionary word of the week is “comfortable”.
Grass Widows and Straw Men
Anatoly considers the origins of the phrases ‘grass widow’ and ‘straw man.’
Stimulusing
Ammon Shea looks at the word “stimulus”.
Laundry – Podictionary Word of the Day
The podictionary word of the week is “laundry”.