by Dictionary Scoop We always talk about the weather, but, as it happens, we also use weather-related terms to talk about other things as well. These sayings are part of our everyday lexicon, often without us even realizing their connection to sun, rain, wind, or snow. Which of these 12 do you use …
Category Archives: language
A Smokin’ Hot Game Can Be A “Barn Burner”
by Kevin Burton The NCAA Final Four is Saturday. Those of us with no favorite teams playing, merely hope for close games. In honor of March Madness, Merriam-Webster has looked into the origin of the idiom “barn-burner.” I have mostly heard this refer to football, but it could apply to basketball as well. …
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Twelve Idioms That Came From The Bible
by Dictionary Scoop Many common phrases we use today are direct quotes from the Bible. They have slipped seamlessly into everyday conversation, often with little thought to their origins. Which of these sayings do you use? 1-Drop in the Bucket The phrase “a drop in the bucket” refers to something very small or insignificant compared …
How Sports Underdogs Became ‘Cinderellas’
by Merriam-Webster Dictionary Cinderella is arguably the most iconic of fairy tales, an archetype of what is known as the rags-to-riches story. You know how it goes: living under the oppression of her evil stepmother, she finds her chance at happiness and fortune only after a fairy godmother makes her over for the …
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Can True Love Be Found At A Flea Market?
by Kevin Burton The Burtons love a good farmer’s market. And the local weather has been conducive to attending the outdoor version. So this could happen pretty soon. Sign us up! A farmer’s market of course, is the much yummier first cousin of a garage sale. But what of a flea …
A “Knocker-Upper” Isn’t What You Think It Is
by Dictionary Scoop Social, economic, and technological changes, along with the emergence of new consumer habits, have led to the disappearance of certain jobs that were once popular and profitable. Here is a list of ten English words describing occupations and professions that are rare or have become obsolete: 1-Alewife Did you know that women …
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A Name For Nobodies (Like Me) On The Net
by Kevin Burton Have I been snickering up my sleeve a bit as Merriam-Webster slings names at various miscreants? Well, what goes around, comes around. This is the third and final post looking at “A Handy Guide to Ruffians, Rapscallions, Cads and More, 22 Charming Words for Nasty People” published by the …
What If God Saw Fit To Change Your Name?
by Kevin Burton The Bible records instances when God placed a person’s life on a significantly different trajectory, and drove home the point by changing their name./ We looked into some of those yesterday. For example, God changed that noted trickster Jacob’s name, which meant “supplanter,” to “Israel,” meaning “having power with God.” …
Some Charming Words For Nasty People
by Kevin Burton My assigned task was to write past-due notices to customers. Dry enough, but I had some fun with it. I was working as an office assistant at a photo lab in Columbus, Ohio. We were in the not-so-busy season, taking care of things that didn’t get done during the busy …
We Put Adjectives In Order Without Thinking
by Merriam-Webster Dictionary Are you game for some mind-reading? We can predict what you’ll do with the following task: Describe two houses. For the first house, use these adjectives: green, old, and big. For the second house use brick, square, and unusual. We’re pretty sure you came up with “big, old, green house” and “unusual, square, brick house.” …
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