A retronym is a word coined to distinguish something new from an older, more generic version, such as electric guitar or clock radio. A couple of new retronyms are fine water, or “unprocessed water that reflects a region’s terroir” and water sommelier, a professional who procures and dispenses such water to a growing number of fine water enthusiasts. This is part of a complete episode.
I was drawn to the Retronym discussion. I remember that when I was a kid, supermarkets sold both Cereal and Cold Cereal. Now, they sell Cereal (née Cold Cereal) and Hot Cereal (née Cereal). That’s a swap in retronyms. What would you call that, an antallnym? (Thanks to AI for finding antallasso and antallagi meaning swap).
Knitters are creating temperature blankets, also known as weather blankets, by assigning colors to daily temperatures and stitching them into finished pieces. Makers involved in The Tempestry Project extend the practice by representing the weather...
Nikki in Charlotte, North Carolina, shares the story of a man who casually told passersby You dropped your pocket, prompting them to check for something that wasn’t there in the first place. That silly saying reminds her of playing pool and trying...
I was drawn to the Retronym discussion. I remember that when I was a kid, supermarkets sold both Cereal and Cold Cereal. Now, they sell Cereal (née Cold Cereal) and Hot Cereal (née Cereal). That’s a swap in retronyms. What would you call that, an antallnym? (Thanks to AI for finding antallasso and antallagi meaning swap).