What’s the name for that little dent in your upper lip? It’s called a “philtrum.” Martha reveals the erotic origins of this word, and proves once again that etymology is nothing if not sexy. Transcript of “The Love...
piquerism n. the derivation of pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from stabbing another person. Etymological Note: From the French piquer ‘to sting or prick (someone or something).’ (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
floater n. a person who files down or smooths horse teeth; a tool used for such a task. Etymological Note: Directly related to the verb “to float,” meaning “to file the teeth of a horse.” The Oxford English Dictionary...
playtron n. an observer or vistor at a Renaissance fair or festival who wears a costume suited for the time period. Etymological Note: play(er) + patron (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
hoss election n.— «When they read the column here pondering the origin of the term “Hoss Elections,” a Hawai’i phrase used to describe those senior class hall-of-fame awards in high school, the Valdez’s were the only ones to...
wireline adj. of communication or technology, connected by cable or wire; the opposite of wireless. Etymological Note: From the noun “wireline,” defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “a telegraph or telephone line of...