Skip to content

The word for today is…

artisan (noun) -
1: a worker who practices a trade or handicraft : craftsperson
2: a person or company that produces something (such as cheese or wine) in limited quantities often using traditional methods — often used before another noun

Source : Merriam-Webster

Etymology : Artisans aren't the same as artists, but it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference. In the Middle Ages, artisans organized themselves into guilds. In every city each group of artisans—weavers, carpenters, shoemakers, and so on—had its own guild, which set wages and prices, kept standards high, and protected its members from outside competitors. In America, however, most artisans have always been fiercely independent. Today, when factories produce almost all of our goods, artisans usually make only fine objects for those who can afford them. And we now even include food among the artisan's crafts, so you can buy artisanal cheeses, breads, and chocolates—but probably not if you're watching your budget.

If you enjoyed this Good Oil word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.

Latest

An Attack on the Open Society

An Attack on the Open Society

When a prime minister treats the defence of female private space as planetary eccentricity, the open society is already yielding ground. The cost is paid by the very girls and women the liberal order was supposed to protect.

Members Public
Will We Be Pākehā Freeloaders?

Will We Be Pākehā Freeloaders?

‘Why should you pay for these old, Pākehā dudes, living large on the pension your taxes are funding? You’re from Mumbai, Shanghai or South Auckland and they never did anything for you.’

Members Public