Without or not near to anyone else; on one’s own; all alone. A shortening of the Cockney rhyming slang “on one’s Tod Sloan,” referring to a once-famous American horse jockey who fell into disrepute in the early 20th century and died penniless and alone. Primarily heard in UK. Watch the video
Month: November 2021
Literary Nonsense
Literary nonsense, or nonsense literature, uses language to defy literary conventions. Its most common form is nonsense verse, which is humorous or whimsical and features absurd characters and evocative but meaningless words. It differs from other comic verse in its resistance to any rational or allegorical interpretation. Nonsense verse emerged at the beginning of the 19th century and has been mostly written for children. What poem is likely the best known example of literary nonsense? Discuss
sere
witch
troll – Originally a witch or sorceress. More…
fly-by-night – Said to be an old term of reproach to a woman signifying that she was a witch, and was extended to “anyone who departs hastily from a recent activity,” especially while owing money. More…
hag – First meant “witch.” More…
witch – In Old English, it was actually wicca and originally (c. 890) was a man who practiced magic or sorcery, who we now call a wizard; by the year 1000, witch came to be defined as “a female magician or sorceress.” More…
Carry Nation (1846)
Nation was an American temperance advocate with an unorthodox style of destroying saloons with a hatchet while supporters sang hymns. Her passion was likely fueled by her first husband’s alcoholism. Though she was successful in focusing public attention on the cause of prohibition, most temperance organizations were hesitant to support her. At 6 feet (1.8 m) tall, Nation was hard to contain and was arrested 30 times before declining health forced her retirement. How did she pay her fines? Discuss
on in years
Advanced in age; old or becoming old. Watch the video
The Nomenklatura
In the Soviet Union and other Communist countries, the nomenklatura was an elite group of Communist Party members in key administrative government positions. It arose during Vladimir Lenin’s tenure early in the 20th century. Certain officials—”patrons”—had the authority to appoint individuals—called “clients”—to certain positions. The client was thus beholden to his patron for employment, which helped to maintain the power structure. What was Joseph Stalin’s nickname within the nomenklatura? Discuss
waft
hungry
Jizo Ennichi
Tradition calls for Japanese Buddhists to honor Kshitigarba Jizo on the 24th day of each month with a ritual known as Jizo Ennichi. Kshitigarba Jizo is a Bodhisattva, or “Buddha-to-be.” Among Japanese Buddhists, he is known for helping children, women in labor, and the wicked. He is also believed to participate in ushering in the souls of the faithful when they die. His statue is most often found outside temples, where he can guide both the dead and the living. Shrines in his honor are set up along roadsides, since he protects travelers as well. Discuss