January is a time for new beginnings, and apparently, for looking back. This month, I’m exploring words named for people, or, as in the case of January, named for a God. January is the month dedicated to Janus, the two-faced God of beginnings, transitions, and as such, doorways as well as the rising and setting of the…
Tag: Halloween
Otherworldly Words: Pierrot
Clowns creep many people out. Why is that? Do you think it’s because they express a twisted duality within human nature, as a character who wears a sad face but makes us laugh with buffoonish antics; or conversely, wears a happy face while wilting inside. Or do you think it’s just because they’re freakin’ weird, and we…
A very little bit of Halloween humor
Just because Halloween is for scares, doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a good chuckle. or maybe a groan at a really bad joke. Enjoy! 🙂
Otherworldly Words: Timorous
This month in #Otherworldly Words, I am exploring words to do with fear. Timorous continues the path of words that cast contempt on those who show fear. Exploring the nature of fear is important. Certainly, fear has many natural components, survival instinct and adrenaline for instance. But the meaning we place on fear as a…
Otherworldly Words: Cower
This month in #Otherworldly Words, I am exploring words to do with fear. The first two words described cowardice. Cower is an action that demonstrates fear. Interesting is the link between being afraid and shame, since one can “cower with shame” as well as fear. If you enjoyed this post, look around, or sign up below…
Otherworldly Words: Poltroon
#Otherworldly Words explores words that deal with the frightening or supernatural. This month I’m exploring words that express cowardice. Poltroon derives from Old Italian meaning foal and Latin meaning young animal. This is similar to calling someone a “scaredy cat” to liken them to a young horse that startles easily. It’s important to note that the…
Otherworldly Words: Craven
#OtherworldlyWords returns with craven. Craven is the first in a group of words this month expressing fear or cowardice. In my opinion, the most interesting element in these words is how closely words for cowardice are tied to overall moral character. Many of the words make the leap that if you are a coward, you…
Otherworldly Words: ideomotor effect
April Fools’ Day is long gone, but I’m still exploring words about trickery throughout the month. The ideomotor effect fits the bill. This term offers a scientific explanation, a Scully if you will, for such phenomenon as moves a Ouija board. (Other than a cheesy GIF.) Basically, the effect suggests that mental expectation involuntarily influences…
Otherworldly Words: Anancy
April is a month for fools! From words that refer to natural phenomenon that have misled us to words to describe the things we do to make fools of others, this month I’ll explore words to do with some sort of trickery. Anancy is always up to something. With disguises and other clever tools to fool…
Otherworldly Words: Brocken spectre
April is a month for fools! From words that refer to natural phenomenon that have misled us to words to describe the things we do to make fools of others, this month I’ll explore words to do with some sort of trickery. First up is brocken spectre. This optical illusion caused by one’s own shadow…
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