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AWADmail Issue 690

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From: Bruno Clémentin (bruno.clementin free.fr)
Subject: Re: A.Word.A.Day--doryphore

The main use of the word, in French, was a way to nickname the German troops, after the WWI, because they would eat the potatoes. It was still in use during WWII. And is still given in some dictionaries.

From: Michael T. Griffith (symph uwyo.edu)
Subject: Re: A.Word.A.Day--ratty

Musicians who play brass instruments use “ratty” in a similar way. If the beginning of a note is not cleanly articulated, but not as bad as a crack (colloquial, “clam”), it is said to be a “ratty” sound.

From: Peirce Hammond (Peirceiii yahoo.com)
Subject: Ratty

English words ending in “y” are often diminutive and endearing. Even “Ratty”. Consider the character so named in The Wind in the Willows While not exactly a rat, he does bear the name and is called Ratty. He is a good friend to Mole, if a tad shopworn.

From: Janet Rizvi (janetrizvi gmail.com)
Subject: winkle

In the 1950s various youth sub-cultures in the UK adopted different styles of dandified dressing. One such style included footwear known as winklepickers, on account of their long pointed toes.

From: David Fischer (dw-mefischer sbcglobal.net)
Subject: capriole

“Capriole” has several special meanings in the world of early music, all more or less related to leaping. Thoinot Arbeau’s “Orchesographie” is the most significant discussion of dance steps and music before 1600. In this work, Capriol is the student who wishes to improve his social skills by learning dancing. A capriole was also the leap occurring at the end of every six-step pattern in the galliard. The Capriol Suite is a beautiful modern setting of several renaissance dances by Peter Warlock.

From: Jeff Balch (Balchowsky yahoo.com)
Subject: Cervantes/Shakespeare anachronicity (Re: AWADmail 689)

In the previous issue of AWADmail, Jack Miles wrote, “It may be of interest to note that both Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare died on the same day, April 23, 1616.”

Cervantes and Shakespeare did not die on the same day. Shakespeare died a week and half later. While Spain had adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1582, England remained behind the times, sticking with the Julian calendar until 1752. When Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616 in England, it was May 3rd in Spain, and Cervantes was long gone.

From: Anu Garg (words at wordsmith.org)
Subject: Limericks

We’re told of an adamant doryphore
who stationed himself o’er a poet’s door.
He just wouldn’t go,
and for all that we know
he’s planning to stay there forevermore.

A testy young woman named Patty
showed behavior that bordered on batty.
Off the handle she’d fly
at the blink of an eye.
Her unfortunate nickname was Ratty.

The truth becomes something to mutilate
As the Donald continues to ululate
Like a dog he attacks
Without checking the facts
And yet somehow his poll numbers pullulate.

I had a mollusk as a pet.
It’s the oddest pet you could get.
I call him with a twinkle,
“Please come here, Rip Van Winkle.”
So far, he’s not come to me yet.

An astronomer’s idea of fun
Is a total eclipse of the sun
The orb’s aureole
Makes the gent capriole
Like Phil Graham when he’s written a pun.

From: Phil Graham (pgraham1946 cox.net)
Subject: Puns on Words of the Week

“I specifically asked for a punt! What’d you get a doryphore?”

“Does this Mediterranean stew look ratty to ya?”

“An appointment? I can pull you early or pullulate,” said the chiropractor.

“Mistress Mary, those shells add a nice winkle to your garden.”

On the Isle of Capriole goats may pinch you.