widdershins has looked up 11 words, created 10 lists, listed 135 words, written 27 comments, added 8 tags, and loved 2 words.
widdershins has looked up 11 words, created 10 lists, listed 135 words, written 27 comments, added 8 tags, and loved 2 words.
widdershins commented on the list colour-light
thanks, done!!
Jun 11, 2009
widdershins commented on the word vetyver
Archaic french spelling of vetiver.
Jan 14, 2009
widdershins commented on the user bilby
hey bilby, I've been a bit busy recently, and wordie generally threatens to take up too much of my time; but I'm going to get back into it. Here's to amelioration!
Apr 20, 2008
widdershins commented on the word rusticate
In ancient universities like Oxford and Cambridge, this means to suspend a student - presumably resulting in their return to their country house.
Jan 3, 2008
widdershins commented on the list linguistic-perps
For me, rickshaw will never be a perp word, because I can't help thinking of the cute little yellow bubbles that hare around the streets of India (what would be called tuk tuks in Thailand).
Jan 3, 2008
widdershins commented on the word argent
Three chevrons gules on a field argent.
Jan 3, 2008
widdershins commented on the list the-miller-s-tale
So many of these words are evocative of a medieval city and its industries. Reminds me very strongly of Fez - the most medieval feeling place I've ever been, particularly the tanneries.
Jan 3, 2008
widdershins commented on the word windaz
I think clerestory covers it. At least, Wikipedia thinks so.
Dec 29, 2007
widdershins commented on the user bilby
Hey bilby, on windaz you asked if there was a word for high up windows that let light in. I think clerestory is the one you're after - have a look at wikipedia, it has pictures.
Dec 29, 2007
widdershins commented on the list under-the-kilt
Brilliant list, Scots has so many great words. Horny-golach has to be my favourite.
Dec 26, 2007
widdershins commented on the word calisthenics
According to Wikipedia, it comes from the Greek words kalos, 'beautiful' and sthénos, 'strength'.
Dec 26, 2007
widdershins commented on the word doxography
A work which describes the work and schools of thought of past (particularly classical) thinkers.
Dec 26, 2007
widdershins commented on the list decemberists-words-2
Perhaps picaresque? I love the word, and the album.
Dec 26, 2007
widdershins commented on the word widdershins
yey!
Dec 22, 2007
widdershins commented on the word cerulean
Ooh, "apricot wash," I like that!
Dec 22, 2007
widdershins commented on the word sorrel
Or a light reddish brown.
Dec 22, 2007
widdershins commented on the word ensorcell
To enchant or bewitch.
Dec 22, 2007
widdershins commented on the word byzantine
Can't this also mean very complex, particularly when related to bureaucracy and such? Or am I making that up?
Dec 22, 2007
widdershins commented on the word exedra
In this Muslim world, this would be called a mihrab, or prayer niche.
Dec 22, 2007
widdershins commented on the word arcosolia
In a catacomb, this is the arched bit set back from the wall that holds coffins.
Dec 22, 2007
widdershins commented on the word widow's walk
Synonymous with belvedere.
Dec 22, 2007
widdershins commented on the word belvedere
Also can be a cupola with a staircase within. Can be known as a widow's walk.
Dec 22, 2007
widdershins commented on the word cupola
Can also be architectural: "A cupola is a dome-shaped ornamental structure placed on the top of a larger roof or dome. In some cases, the entire main roof of a tower or spire can be a cupola. More frequently, however, the cupola is a smaller structure which sets on top of the main roof."
Dec 22, 2007
widdershins commented on the word sack
I think this used to mean sherry, more specifically.
Dec 22, 2007
widdershins commented on the word mundungus
It means malodorous tobacco.
Dec 22, 2007
widdershins commented on the word fie
I fie upon you!
Oct 4, 2007
widdershins commented on the word weapon
My friend uses this as a badass exclamation e.g. "Dude that band was weapon!" Try it sometime - it's very satisfying.
Oct 4, 2007