A "zindabad" is: 'Used as an exclamation or shout of approbation or encouragement. Also as n.: an exclamation of this kind; a cheer.' (OED). Zindabads abound at the moment. Day #188 of a 365 project, where the daily pic is…
DelJuly 9, 2014
I love today's word and am deeply disappointed that it is obsolete. I shall endeavour to use it, however, and see if we can restore it to its rightful place in the English language. The word is "pithanology", which means:…
DelJuly 7, 2014
I had the honour of being deputy assistant event tog at the Dedication Service at St Saviour's this morning. It was a sheer delight to meet the Bishop of London, who is utterly charming and a very amusing speaker (sermons…
DelJuly 6, 2014
One of the joys of visiting the countryside (and in my book, there aren't many) is the way the cows are free to wander around. The country driver needs a little patience as cows ignore hooting, shouting and banging on…
DelJuly 5, 2014
One of these must be a "periapt" - 'Something worn as a charm against illness, misfortune, etc.; an amulet' (OED) - just not sure which one. Day #183 of a 365 project, where the daily pic is informed by the OED…
DelJuly 4, 2014
The OED chose to feature the cow definition of "maverick" ('An unbranded calf or yearling', OED) but the sis-in-L and I decided to pursue the alternative (and more widely used) definition of: 'An unorthodox or independent-minded person' as we embarked…
DelJuly 3, 2014
I don't really do pets, but occasionally I think it would be nice to have one and I get rather enthused by the idea. However, whenever I broach the subject, MisterMac raises some objection. My efforts, a few years ago,…
DelJuly 2, 2014
A good day covering some more squares for Bleeding London. Abandoned mattresses abounded in SW as did Brazil flags, but there was a remarkable absence of "poutine" ('A dish of chips (French fried potatoes), topped traditionally with cheese curds and…
DelJuly 1, 2014
This is the Bank of England - windowless so that none of the dosh or spondulicks contained within can be the subject of an abreption: ' The action of snatching something away; sudden seizure; complete separation or removal; an instance…
DelJune 30, 2014
Three degrees of separation … (1) This is a telephone box that has become a shrine to Sherlock Holmes (except possibly the "massage" advert in the top right hand corner); the 'phone box is special because it's in front of…
DelJune 29, 2014
Well this was an interesting word! Mammy water, meaning: 'A spirit woman often taking the form of a mermaid, and believed in parts of Africa (esp. West Africa) to inhabit lakes and rivers', (OED). A rather dull day photographically as…
DelJune 28, 2014
Bit of a cheat today, as I didn't have time for hunting down anything sematographic ('With reference to Ancient Greek: of or relating to the use of signs or symbols (rather than letters) in writing', OED), which is a great…
DelJune 27, 2014
Today's word was "Etnean" meaning: 'Of or relating to Mount Etna, an active volcano in eastern Sicily; inhabiting or located on the slopes of this. Occas. also: resembling or characteristic of a volcano.' (OED). I found this list on a…
DelJune 26, 2014
Trying to photograph "nullibiety" ('The state or condition of existing nowhere; non-existence', OED) posed something of a challenge, until I remembered the world cup. I don't think Austria even got as far as Brazil, and as England were swiftly dispatched,…
DelJune 25, 2014
"Ochlophobia" means 'Fear of or aversion to crowds.' (OED) Day #174 of a 365 project, where the daily pic is informed by the OED word of the day.
DelJune 24, 2014
To mark the start of Wimbledon, today's word is "Greenswardsmanship", which means: 'The cultivation of an unusually and enviably excellent lawn.' (OED) And to get good lawns, you need good grass ... Day #173 of a 365 project, where the…
DelJune 23, 2014
"Coco": 'In I should coco, used as an affirmative: I should say so. Also in ironic use as an expression of disbelief, derision, etc.: I should think not.' (OED). One of my favourite expressions, but always as a form of…
DelJune 22, 2014
Today's word was "surfari" meaning: 'A journey made by surfers in search of good conditions for surfing or to visit several beaches suitable for surfing; (also) a group of surfers undertaking such a journey. Freq. in on surfari', OED. I…
DelJune 21, 2014
Alexander Square Alexander Square is not actually a square, but rather a street, which derives its name from John Alexander (1762-1831), the owner of the Thurloe Estate (Ricahrdson, 2003:110). It is one of the streets that ‘fades into’ Knightsbridge, although…
DelJune 21, 2014