How do you search for a word that you can not spell? Obviously, you can search under synonyms and antonyms, but what if you still can not find it?
In particular, a long time back, some guy used a word like "purian" or "purial" to describe bad, immoral behavior. I remember thinking that it sounded like a bad choice of words because "pure" and "puritan" seemed to be words for good behavior. He told me the proper spelling and I looked it up and was surprised that he was correct. Now I can not remember the word or how to spell it. Does anyone know what word I am thinking of?
First, welcome!
Second, the word you seek might be prurient.
Third, the computer and the internet make such searches much easier than in the days of paper. Still, I like your technique of looking up synonyms and antonyms, which you can do with wordnik.com and others. Various word processors have spell checks that suggest a list of words you might mean. Websites like onelook.com can give you words with partial spelling. Even search engines such as google.com will suggest corrected words and spellings for your search terms.
Yes, I'd guess "purient," from Latin for "itch," if I recall correctly.
And Glenn's offered some good suggestions. Also, if you can get to it, the OED online is great for reverse searches. Always loved that you could plug in the words "battle," "frogs," and "mice," and it spits out the word that means "a battle between frogs and mice" -- batrachomyomachy.
Also, if you can get to it, the OED online is great for reverse searches. Always loved that you could plug in the words “battle,†“frogs,†and “mice,†and it spits out the word that means “a battle between frogs and mice†— batrachomyomachy.
Having read this, after blinking three times, and touching my forehead twice, I found the words had not changed. I wondered how such a word could come into existence. It appears it was the name of a parody of the Iliad.
So then, what is the term for a diabolical hollow wooden goose on wheels?
I love coming to this site if for no other reason to learn these great words. Although Batrachomyomachy sounds like a government ruled by nearsighted camels. (given the last several congressional elections, who knows?)
Martha, I love the word Prurient, but it still sounds like the name of a car model. As in "introducing, the 2010 Dodge Prurient. With more back seat leg room than ever"
Glenn, is this another one of those clever word games like 'where the crude mammals live' being a vile vole vale?