New (old) Words
Listed here are forgotten and newly acquired words discovered
while reading Boris Vian's novel, Froth on the Daydream (Mood Indigo)
Everything else can go, because all the rest is ugly - and the few pages which follow as an illustration of this draw their entire strength from the fact that the story is completely true since I made it up from beginning to end. ~ Boris Vian
TAFFETA: a crisp, smooth, plain woven fabric made from silk or cuprammonium rayonsas well as acetate and polyester. The word is Persian in origin and means "twisted woven".
ReplyDeletePERSPEX: various clear acrylic resins, used chiefly as a substitute for glass
ReplyDeleteJean Pulse Heartre: Jean-Pulse Heartre is a spoonerism of the French existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre's name. Throughout the novel, there are references to various works by Sartre, but like the philosopher's name, Boris Vian played with words to make new titles for "works" by Heartre.
ReplyDeleteDESICCATION: the process by which a substance is dried out and the moisture removed.
ReplyDeleteDRAUGHTSWOMAN: a woman who makes detailed technical plans or drawings:
ReplyDeleteAGGLOMERATION: a mass or collection of things; an assemblage
ReplyDeleteVALERIAN DROPS: are a type of dietary supplement most commonly used as a sleep aid. While they are generally considered safe, and many people report that they help ward off insomnia, potential users should be aware of a few precautions before taking them.
ReplyDeleteCONK: slang for nose
ReplyDeleteDISRAELI: British politician and novelist. He served as prime minister (1868 and 1874-1880) and was instrumental in extending the power and scope of the British Empire.
ReplyDeletePYTHAGOREAN: a person who supports the theories of the Greek philosopher Pythagoras
ReplyDeleteVITREOUS: like glass in appearance or physical properties.
ReplyDeleteFAKIR: a Muslim (or, loosely, a Hindu) religious ascetic who lives solely on alms.
ReplyDeleteERUCTATION: The word comes from 'eructo,' Latin for 'to belch.'
ReplyDeleteSERVIETTE: a table napkin.
ReplyDeleteLIVERIED: (of a servant or official) dressed in a special uniform
ReplyDeleteSQUAMACEOUS: covered with or consisting of scales
ReplyDeleteTREPHINATION: an act or instance of perforating the skull with a surgical instrument
ReplyDeleteHOWDAH: Carriage placed on the back of an elephant or other animal.
ReplyDeletePHYNANCES: French word for finances.
ReplyDeleteLUGUBRIOUS: looking or sounding sad and dismal
ReplyDeletePISCATORIAL: of or concerning fishermen or fishing
ReplyDeleteOCELOT: a medium-sized American wildcat (Felis pardalis) that ranges from Texas to northern Argentina and has a tawny-yellow or grayish coat dotted and striped with black
ReplyDeleteOPOPONAX: an odorous gum resin formerly used in medicines
ReplyDeleteOCTOROON: a person of one-eighth black ancestry
ReplyDeleteCLAVICOCKTAIL: an invention where drinks are created musically. For each note played there is a corresponding relationship with a drink, with or without alcohol.
ReplyDeleteLINTEL: a horizontal architectural member supporting the weight above an opening, as a window or a door.
ReplyDeleteREMUNERATIVE: financially rewarding; lucrative
ReplyDeleteACOLYTE: any attendant, assistant, or follower
ReplyDeleteTRUNCHEON: a staff representing an office or authority; baton.
ReplyDeleteTETRAHEDRON: a solid contained by four plane faces; a triangular pyramid.
ReplyDelete