This week’s theme
Words from singer-songwriter Roy Zimmerman’s songs

This week’s words
legionnaire
moribund
carny
nanny state
inveigle

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(NAN-ee stayt)

MEANING:

noun: A government regarded as having an excessive interest in the welfare of its citizens, as evidenced by public health measures, safety regulations, etc.

ETYMOLOGY:

From nanny (a child’s caregiver), of baby-talk origin, perhaps a pet form of the name Anne + state, from Old French estat, from Latin status (stature). Earliest documented use: 1965.

NOTES:

Why nanny state? Because some people act like children. For example,
Helmet foe dies in motorcycle accident
New York rider dies protesting motorcycle helmet law

USAGE:

“Like Teddy ‘Pinko’ Roosevelt
That guy was talking about universal healthcare.
You’re a taxin’, appropriatin’, regulatin’ nanny-statin’
Socialist!”
Roy Zimmerman; Socialist; 2008.
(lyrics; video, 4 min.)

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: