Wordsmith.org: the magic of words


A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact  


Home

Today's Word

Yesterday's Word

Archives

FAQ


A.Word.A.Day--Bobbsey twins

Pronunciation RealAudio

bobbsey twins (BOB-zee twins)

Two people who appear, think, or do alike.

[From the characters in a children's book series created in 1904 and published under the pen name of Laura Lee Hope. Here's an excellent website about the Bobbsey twins.]

"Jarrin' John and Battlin' Bill were the Bobbsey Twins of campaign reform, one from the left, one from the right, joined in symbolic handshake at Claremont, N.H., pledging their troth to smite the evil of soft money in political campaigns." David Nyhan, What Happened to Bradley?, The Boston Globe, Mar 3, 2000.

Eponyms -- AWAD's perennial favorites -- make their appearance once again. There is a reason for their popularity: where else can you a find a whole story in just one word? This week's selection features words derived from people famous and infamous, real and fictional, well-known and obscure. -Anu

X-Bonus

The truth is rarely pure, and never simple. -Oscar Wilde, writer (1854-1900)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith