poliphilo: (Default)
poliphilo ([personal profile] poliphilo) wrote2011-08-11 11:19 am

Abandoned Words

I visited this site in the hope of getting my teeth into something chewy, but to be honest most of these abandoned words are ones only a pedant could love- things with Greek and Latin roots, conceived in the study and of little use out of it. Few of them will ever have had much of a life.  Still, the site itself is fun. I like the way the poor little things clamour for our attention. 

[identity profile] huskyteer.livejournal.com 2011-08-11 10:24 am (UTC)(link)
I also visited and adopted 'canitude'. Must post about this - thanks for reminding me!

[identity profile] poliphilo.livejournal.com 2011-08-11 10:27 am (UTC)(link)
So what's that mean exactly, Something to do with dogs? A doggy attitude? A love of dogs?

[identity profile] huskyteer.livejournal.com 2011-08-11 10:40 am (UTC)(link)
I had hoped so, but alas, it means 'whiteness' or 'hoariness'. (I found it by putting 'cani' in the search.)

[identity profile] poliphilo.livejournal.com 2011-08-11 10:44 am (UTC)(link)
Ha! That's sort of what I mean about these words. Why use canitude when whiteness would do? A word is really only useful if no other word conveys quite the same meaning or shade of meaning.

[identity profile] huskyteer.livejournal.com 2011-08-11 11:22 am (UTC)(link)
I look forward to using it in wintry posts now, though.

[identity profile] poliphilo.livejournal.com 2011-08-11 11:45 am (UTC)(link)
I'm looking forward to spotting it in your posts.
ext_12726: (cup of tea)

[identity profile] heleninwales.livejournal.com 2011-08-11 10:59 am (UTC)(link)
I've visited this site before and I agree with you, these words aren't really very uesful or beautiful. Having said that, "tortiloquy" caught my eye as a word that could be applied to many politicians. It means dishonest speech. :)

[identity profile] poliphilo.livejournal.com 2011-08-11 11:15 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, I like that one too. I'm sure there must be other gems in there if you care to search.

[identity profile] faunhaert.livejournal.com 2011-08-11 04:11 pm (UTC)(link)
saw a few funny words, that sherlock holmes must have created
its visually fun
right now most anything like that is interesting...

[identity profile] poliphilo.livejournal.com 2011-08-11 05:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, it's good to be diverted.