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Month: August 2016

  • One Word: Whisk

    One Word: Whisk

    Casting about for a write-worthy word, my eyes fell on a whisk broom. “Whisk” – it occurs to me – is a wonderful word. It’s short (I like that), familiar (I like that, too), and vivid, by which I mean it conjures up a bright mental image. (I particularly like that.) Perhaps best of all,…

  • [MAILBAG] — Portmanteau Words

    [MAILBAG] — Portmanteau Words

    My recent article on portmanteau words prompted some noteworthy responses. What’s a Late Lunch / Early Dinner? From reader Linda Helms: “Rather than submit a portmanteau, I beg for one to be created; that is, the afternoon equivalent of brunch. I for one sometimes put off lunch until it’s so late that it becomes early…

  • One Word: Portmanteau

    One Word: Portmanteau

    A portmanteau is a word formed by combining meaning and partial sounds from at least two other words. Obvious example: smog. A mixture of smoke and fog, the word combines sounds from each. A portmanteau differs from a compound, which combines two complete words. Thus “motorhome” is a compound; “motel – meaning “motor hotel” –…

  • Two Words: Foreword / Afterword

    Two Words: Foreword / Afterword

    A foreword is a brief introduction to a book or other piece of literature. (Not to be confused with “forward” motion.) There’s no sharp dividing line between a “foreword”, a “preface”, and an “introduction”. You’ll find books (including some of mine) with all three! There also are books with opening commentaries that could justly be…

  • One Word: Chemical

    One Word: Chemical

    How I’d love to have a dime for every time I’ve heard someone express a liking for “chemical-free food” – or something similar. Let’s break this down: A chemical is any substance that can be defined by its atomic or molecular composition. That covers a lot of ground! Any element is a chemical, an element…

  • Does Gary Matthews Really Cut His Own Hair With a Vacuum Cleaner?

    Does Gary Matthews Really Cut His Own Hair With a Vacuum Cleaner?

    Short answer: Yes! I cut my own hair – and yes, with a vacuum cleaner. The slightly longer, just slightly more precise answer is that I use a vacuum cleaner attachment called a Flowbee. I can hardly believe this works. And I can even less believe that I’m owning up to it. Here’s the story:…

  • Two Words: Forbear / Forebear

    Two Words: Forbear / Forebear

    We just discussed “forgo” and “forego”. The situation is similar with “forbear” and “forebear”. To forbear is to manifest great patience under extreme difficulty or suffering. “Forbear” is a verb. Its noun form is “forbearance”. A forebear is an ancestor. With that extra “e”, the word normally is a noun. Your forebears are your forefathers…

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