This week’s theme
Words coined after fairy tales and folktales

This week’s words
breadcrumb
Tom Thumb
Domdaniel
Chicken Licken
open sesame

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(CHIK-en LIK-n)

MEANING:

noun: Someone who is a pessimist and alarmist, always warning others of impending calamities.

ETYMOLOGY:

After a hen in a children’s tale who, when hit on the head by a falling acorn, believes the sky is falling. Earliest documented use: 1922. The character is also known by other names, such as Chicken Little and Henny Penny.

USAGE:

“Haldane has been an eternal optimist during the crisis, telling people they must reject the economics of Chicken Licken.”
Mark Shapland; Rush To Shop Fuelled By Pandemic Savings; Daily Mail (London, UK); Apr 13, 2021.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: