The word for today is… jilt (verb) – To deceive or drop (a lover) suddenly or callously. (noun) – One who discards a lover. Source : The Free Dictionary Etymology : Jilt traces back to the English dialect noun jillet (“a flirtatious girl”), itself from Jill or Gill (used both as a proper name
The word for today is… incognito (adj or adverb) – With one’s identity disguised or concealed. Source : The Free Dictionary Etymology : The ancient Greeks and Romans knew that there were times when you didn’t want to be recognized. For example, a myth tells how Zeus and Hermes visited a
Don’t pick it up I say. You’re gonna be bummed that you went that way. The Offspring, “Don’t Pick It Up”. Hooray! Now I have an excuse not to pick up my dog’s poo. No more carrying those stupid bags every time we go for a
The word for today is… heterodox (adj) – 1. Not in agreement with accepted beliefs, especially in church doctrine or dogma. 2. Holding unorthodox opinions. Source : The Free Dictionary Etymology : It’s true: individuals often see other people’s ideas as unconventional while regarding their own as beyond reproach. The antonyms
The word for today is… gingerly (adj) – Cautious; careful. (adverb) – With great care or delicacy; cautiously. Source : The Free Dictionary Etymology : Etymologists take a gingerly approach to assigning any particular origins to this word. While it might have come from the name of the spice, there’s nothing concrete to
The Yewnicorn tiny house was built by Rudy Triller on a used gooseneck trailer* which allowed him to put a bedroom only a couple of steps up from the main floor which we really liked because it eliminated the need for a ladder and a loft. *For anyone considering a
There’s an old Larson cartoon about a donut shop manager who can’t understand how he goes through so many donuts, yet barely makes a profit – while his morbidly obese sales assistant quietly lurks in the background. In a life-imitates-art moment, a British judge just can’t
American humourist Evan Esar is known for the famous quote: “All men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with a mighty urge to become otherwise”. There’s nothing any of us can do that will change that basic driver of humankind despite what some political leadership might like
The word for today is… fortitude (noun) – Strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage. Source : The Free Dictionary Etymology : Fortitude comes from the Latin word fortis, meaning “strong,” and in English it has always been used primarily to describe strength of mind. For a
We have just witnessed an example of socialist group think from our collective media. The BFD broke the news that one of its authors, Dieuwe de Boer had been raided by approximately a dozen jack-booted, armed Police in search of a rifle that was described in the search warrant
The word for today is… fawn (verb) – 1. To exhibit affection or attempt to please, as a dog does by wagging its tail, whining, or cringing. 2. To seek favor or attention by flattery and obsequious behavior. Source : The Free Dictionary Etymology : Some people will be glad to learn the
Harriet Gross is professor of psychology, as well as acting pro vice-chancellor and head of the College of Arts, at the University of Lincoln in the UK. Her latest book is The Psychology of Gardening (2018). Edited by Christian Jarrett aeon.co What’s not to like about gardening?
Jonathan Waterlow is a British writer and podcaster. He is the author of It’s Only a Joke, Comrade! Humour, Trust and Everyday Life under Stalin (2018) and the founder of the Voices in the Dark podcast. Edited by Sam Dresser aeon.co Stalinism. The word conjures dozens of associations,
Abolish the death penalty for all except innocent babies – yup, makes sense.
Thomas W. Pearson sapiens.org The nurse gently lifted Michaela onto my partner’s bare chest, a newborn embraced by her mother for the first time. I marvelled at the raw beauty of it all. I have a daughter, I thought, and along with my 2-year-old son, the
