Thursday, November 25, 2010

Tenaculum

Ouch! A tenaculum is actually a sharp hook that a surgeon uses for picking up arteries. Sounds dangerous. Moving right along... I loved the meanings sent in for this word. You all made the decision as hard as it always is. Well done for your efforts. I finally chose the meaning suggested by Vicki Malicki. Love your work Vicki!
Here's her contribution:

Paul the Octopus from Germany who successfully predicted many game outcomes in the recent Soccer World Cup was a Tenaculum. He was revered throughout the Octopus world and his sad departure from this life has left a huge gap. However, a rumour is circulating that an up and coming young Octopus called Gary from Samoa is widely tipped to become the next Tenaculum.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Carking

Carking apparently means burdensome. I can't explain that, so I won't try. Swiftly on to the invented meanings then...

What a hard choice. There were some excellent meanings for carking, but Realityjunkie had such a warm and fuzzy entry that I just had to choose it.

Here it is: Carking is the sweet sound puppies make while they're sleeping. It's somewhere between a bark and a sigh. I love the sound of carking.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Elecampane

Elecampane is less beautiful than it sounds to me. It's a plant with bitter aromatic leaves.

I loved the word picture created by LivelyClamor. Here's the winning meaning: Elecampagne is a canopy with lots of little bells sewn onto it which ring at the slightest breeze.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Petuntse

Petuntse describes white earth that is used in China for making porcelain. Thanks for your varied meanings.

Angripengwin is today's winner, with this lovely meaning: Petite old woman who has a habit of wobbling about the place.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Boscage

Boscage refers to masses of trees or shrubs. I certainly have never heard of the term before. However, I can now say that I am fortunate to be surrounded by boscage where I live. I loved the invented meanings for boscage and would like to make silver_flight today's winner. In fact, I think this meaning should be the real one for boscage. Here it is:
I think this would be an old-fashioned starched shirt that forces one into a particular posture in an attempt to confer authority.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Gigmanity

Gigmanity refers to middle class - or so says my dictionary. I thought it would be something far more imaginative, like the meaning suggested by Hey Jude for example.
Well done, HJ. You're a winner!

Hey Jude's meaning follows: Gigmanity was the name of the giant in one of the several versions of Jack and the Beanstalk. It may surprise you to know that there have been several versions of this story by different authors. The name Gigmanity didn't stick because back in the 1800's is was a reasonably weird name and the publisher suggested it be changed to Giant.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Strigil

A strigil is pretty much like it sounds actually. It's an ancient bath time skin scraper. I guess skin scraping is required if bath time is not so regular. Your meanings were great fun and I've chosen LivelyClamor as today's champ. Great work LC.

Read on: Strigil is dental floss accidentally left hanging out of the wearer's mouth in their rush to get ready to go to work in the morning. It is a very embarrassing problem and why many people don't floss.

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Shabrack

A shabrack is a cavalry saddlecloth, which is well short of interesting. The meanings invented by our word imps, on the other hand, were fascinating. I implore you to read them all, especially if you need a pick-me-up. It worked for me! Great to see the return of some of our previous word imps. Thanks for coming back.

Realityjunkie is our winner today. Here's her very well thought out and funny suggestion: Shabrack was the infamous Irish brother of Meshack and Abnego in the famous bible story of the fiery furnace. Although the men were on a strict diet of vegetables and water, old "Shabby" just couldn't resist hitting the wine skin now and then. Poor fella isn't mentioned in most versions of the bible. They replaced him with the more saintly Shadrach character we read about today.

Sunday, November 07, 2010

Oleaginous

Oleaginous describes something that is oily, fatty or greasy. I chose the intriguing meaning offered by Greedy Biscuit Baron today. Well done, GBB and welcome back.
Here's the well thought out winning entry:

Oleaginous refers to something being completed with an extra flourish or added flare/gusto.

Its origins are believed to be a latin/spanish amalgamated word, derived from the spanish word "Olè!"
(which is the flashy ending in both Flamenco dancing and Bull Fighting.)
and "Aginous"
(which is a latin word for "derived from")


So there it is :
Olèaginous - the act of performing an excessively flashy ending.

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Poudrette

Who will ever believe me when I tell you that the actual meaning of poudrette - which sounds so delicate and feminine - is actually manure made from charcoal and night soil (is that a euphemism for 'you know what'?).

Best change the subject quickly, I think.

I loved all your invented meanings. What a hard decision. However, I've gone with Yoda as I thought the image conjured up was the best. Perfect, Yoda! I can't believe that's not the real meaning.

Here's Yoda's contribution: Poudrette is the collective noun for outfits and paraphenalia designed to be worn by dogs small enough to fit in handbags.

Monday, November 01, 2010

Jemadar

A jemadar is a few different things, mostly Indian. The easiest one to describe here is an Indian police officer. Thanks for continuing to bless me with your invented meanings. I appreciate your interesting perspectives on life.

Tesori Trovati was today's winner with her delightful meaning: Jemadar - the sixth sense that I have when I find a beautiful gemstone at an incredible price!