#la whimsy

[lawhimsy]

Word Nerd: Heliotropic

Heliotropic is the property of some plants of turning under the influence of light. Heliotropic is derived from helio- (a combining form meaning “sun”) and -tropic (a combining form with the meanings “turned toward, with an orientation toward”). Heliotropic was first used around 1870-1875. Heliotropic is a word often used in the plant world since many flowers and plants are heliotropic. I think…

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[lawhimsy]

Word Nerd: Tohubohu

Tohubohu (pronounced to-hoo-bo-hoo) means chaos; disorder; confusion. Tohubohu derives from the Hebrew phrase tōhū wā-bhōhū (without form and void), which is from from tōhū (formlessness, confusion) and bōhū (emptiness). Tohubohu was first used around 1611 or so.  Tohubohu was first used in a  translation of the Bible, specifically in Genesis 1:2. Tohubohu refers to the emptiness and desolation…

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[lawhimsy]

Word Nerd: Plenilune

Plenilune is a full moon or the time of the full moon. Plenilune is a Middle English word that derives from the Latin plenilunium, which derives from plenus (full) and lunium / luna (moon). Plenilune is a word with a fairly straight forward definition – a full moon. Plenilune is such a poetic word ~ “The night sky, lit up with the plenilune/a world of dreams come yet to come true…” and a very…

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[lawhimsy]

Word Nerd: Punnet

A punnet is a small container or basket for fruits or vegetables. Punnet is of uncertain origin but is thought to be a diminutive of pun (British dialect word for pound). Punnet is used mostly in Commonwealth countries (though not Canada) and it’s first recorded usage is around 1815 to 1825. Punnets are usually small and light, yet sturdy and are used to protect fragile fruits and veggies that…

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[lawhimsy]

Word Nerd: Niveous

Niveous mean of, or relating to snow; snowy. Niveous derives from the Latin niveus, from nix (snow). Niveous is such a beautiful wintry word. Niveous can be used to describe snowy conditions – “The forest lay quite beneath it’s cold, niveous blanket.” or “There was mystery in the niveous winter air, so cold and clear and icy.”. Niveous also relates to the color of snow, to it’s whiteness. “The…

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[lawhimsy]

Word Nerd: Esperance

Esperance means hope. Esperance is an obsolete or archaic word that derives from Middle English esperaunce (hope) which derives from the Old French esperance (hope), which in-turn derives from Vulgar Latin sperantia (unattested), which is from the Latin spērāre (to hope). Esperance was first recorded being used around 1400-1450. Esperance can also be describe as the feeling that is wanted can be…

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[lawhimsy]

Word Nerd: Sláinte

Slainte means health in Irish and Scottish Gaelic. Sláinte is derived from the old Irish slán (safe or healthy) and the suffix tu .FYI, slán also means advantageous and can also be linked to the Latin salus (health) and the German selig (blessed), neat, huh?! Sláinte is pronounced like slawn-che and it’s most commonly used as a toast or salutation. Sláinte is both Irish and Scottish and it’s…

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[lawhimsy]

Monday Mantra 310 ~ In October any wonderful unexpected thing might be possible...

Monday Mantra 310 ~ In October any wonderful unexpected thing might be possible…

“In October any wonderful unexpected thing might be possible.” ~ Elizabeth George Speare There seems to be an extra golden lining to the Autumn… “In October any wonderful unexpected thing might be possible.” The Autumn season makes me absolutely giddy and October, landing rich and full in the middle of the season, doubles the joy. There is so much to see and delight in and endless golden days…

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