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A.Word.A.Day

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Jul 31, 2001

This week's theme
Words evolved using folk etymologies

This week's words
humble_pie
kickshaw
wiseacre
rakehell
chaise longue

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A.Word.A.Day

with Anu Garg

kickshaw

kickshaw (KIK-shaw) noun

1. A fancy dish; delicacy.

2. A trinket.

[By folk etymology, from French quelque chose, something.]

"They were the first to get into Victorian, into Arts & Crafts and Art Deco, into painted furniture, into ethnic, and kickshaws, and collectibles."
Margo Miller, Art of the Deal, The Boston Globe, Dec 12, 1996.

X-Bonus

The two most engaging powers of an author are to make new things familiar, and familiar things new. -Samuel Johnson, lexicographer (1709-1784)

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