Rowan in Ottawa, Ontario, says her Irish mom used a puzzling word to indicate a sort of restless discontent not caused by anything in particular. It may be neamhchinnte, which means “uncertain” or “indecisive.” This is part...
Lots of things happening in Language Land these days! First, we were amused by the New York Times’ blog post titled, “Iceland Volcano Spews Consonants and Vowels.” We’ll say! Speaking of the word “blog,” Grant is...
parclo n.—Gloss: Partial cloverleaf exchange. «The Ontario Ministry of Transportation designed a modification to the original cloverleaf to address its shortcomings for the 400-series highways. The redesign creates more room for...
momarazzi n.— «In the end, the seven girls stood near the dais for a round of applause. Seven proud mothers rose as one, strode forward and stood in a line, snapping photos. Coining a phrase, Mayor Paul Leon marveled: “That’s a real...
zombie n.— Note: The term dates from more than four decades ago. «By odd coincidence, I met my cousin Harry in the C. N. E. Horse Palace, where Ontario troops were first assembled. But we were on different sides, so to speak. I was...
blue-liner n.— «Along with Niedermayer and Chris Pronger, Blake would give them an unprecedented three Norris Trophy-winning blue-liners and the right to call themselves Cup favourites.» —“Blake has taste for Ducks” by Bob...