A forceful exclamation of dismissal, disdain, or impatience. Primarily heard in UK. Watch the video
Month: October 2021
Marcus Licinius Crassus
Crassus was the wealthiest man in Rome when he, along with Julius Caesar and Pompey, formed the First Triumvirate in 60 BCE. The three men were able to control Rome, and though Pompey and Crassus were jealous of each other, Caesar kept the arrangement going. However, seven years later, Crassus invaded Parthia, hoping for a victory to match the successes of Pompey and Caesar. His army of about 44,000 was defeated in the desert by 10,000 Parthian archers, and he was killed while trying to do what? Discuss
recalcitrant
Definition: (adjective) Marked by stubborn resistance to and defiance of authority or guidance.
Synonyms: refractory.
Usage: Neither could he mobilize his army to go forth to war, nor could he punish his recalcitrant subjects.
Discuss
sword
sheath – Seems to have first been a split stick that a sword could be inserted into. More…
spades – As a suit in a deck of cards, it has nothing to do with spades as tools, but comes from Spanish espada, “sword.” More…
spay – A shortening of a French word espeer, meaning “cut with a sword.” More…
gladiator, gladiate – The main Latin word for sword was gladius, from which came gladiator; gladiate is an adjective meaning sword-shaped. More…
Hi Matsuri
On the evening of October 22, people light bonfires along the narrow street leading to the Kuramadera Shrine in Kurama, a village in the mountains north of Kyoto, Japan. Fire is a purifying element according to Shinto teachings, and the village is believed to be protected from accidents on this night. Soon after dusk, torches are lit. Even babies are allowed to carry tiny torches made of twigs, while young men carry torches so large it sometimes takes several men to keep them upright. Everyone chants “Sai-rei! Sai-ryo!” (“Festival, good festival!”) as they walk through the streets. Discuss
(someone's) hands are full
Someone is too busy or has too much going on to be able to do or become involved with anything else. Watch the video
Wujing Zongyao
Chinese scholars completed the Wujing Zongyao in 1044 under orders from Emperor Renzong. A military compendium detailing techniques for warfare, it includes the earliest known gunpowder formulas. The Chinese initially used gunpowder to make firecrackers, but they soon took it onto the battlefield. The Wujing Zongyao gives instructions for creating a bomb that is launched from a catapult as well as for a poison-smoke bomb. It also describes a primitive version of what modern weapon? Discuss
gauche
Definition: (adjective) Lacking social polish; tactless.
Synonyms: unpolished, graceless.
Usage: Wendy was quite friendly, but her lack of manners made her seem gauche in formal settings.
Discuss
paint
(someone's) door is always open
Someone is always available to be of guidance, support, aid, or assistance whenever needed. Said especially by an employer or teacher to an employee or pupil. Watch the video