Posted on 07/20/2006 6:00:10 AM PDT by secret garden
In order that we might all raise the level of discourse and expand our language abilities, here is the daily post of "Word for the Day".
en·nui Pronunciation Key (n-w, nw)• noun
1. Listlessness and dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest
2. Boredom
Example sentence:
“The servants relieved their ennui with gambling and gossip about their masters” .
-- John Barth
Etymology: French, from Old French enui, from ennuyer, to annoy, bore.
Word History: Were they alive today, users of Classical Latin might be surprised to find that centuries later a phrase of theirs still survives, although as a single word. The phrase mihi in odi est (literally translated as “to me in a condition of dislike or hatred is”), meaning “I hate or dislike,” gave rise to the Vulgar Latin verb *inodire, “to make odious,” the source of the Old French verb ennuyer or anoier, “to annoy, bore.” This was borrowed into English by around 1275 as anoien, our annoy. From the Old French verb a noun meaning “worry, boredom” was derived, which became ennui in modern French. This noun, with the sense “boredom,” was borrowed into English in the 18th century, perhaps filling a need in polite, cultivated society.
Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence.
The sentence must, in some way, relate to the news of the day.
The Review threads are linked for your edification. ;-)
Practice makes perfect.....post on....
Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111 on this thread!)
Review Thread Two: Word For The Day, Tuesday 1/14/03: Roister
Review Thread Three: Word For The Day, Tuesday 1/28/03: Obdurate
WFB's attempt to emulate us ; ) No pushing at the door please!
HAH! You're probably right!
Yes, they take shifts.
Apparently it's the only fast where you gain weight.
And I agree with xs that Sheehanistan's shift must be while she is sleeping.
I heard on the (radio) news that Colin Powell has emerged from his retirement ennui to condemn Israel for a disproportionate and excessive response to Hezbollah. We are fortunate he has retired.
on-wee
My favorite is puce. Noun and adjective. It's a deep red, dark gray-purple, color. Beautiful!
Pronounced puse; rhymes with loose, goose and deuce.
Well, "Puce on you!" usually will silence an erratic discussion.
Now that's interesting. I've always pronounced it pewce.
And I do love the color.
According to yourdictionary.com, both flassid and flaksid are correct.
Thanks... now to incorporate it into my daily conversations...
On WEE, apply directly to the.... ?
Forget using it--just practice it.
for whatever reason i pictured puce as a limey green. isn't that what color slippy uses when she posts it?
Pewce is much better than my puse. Just remember, "the loose puce goose drew a deuce."
Pardon me, but Miss Slippy don't know puce. No insult intended.
Celedon is a nice color as is aubergine.
Q; "On WEE, apply directly to the.... ?"
A. "... unemployment office."
Cheer up! Here's your A!
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