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May 22, 2012
This week's theme
Metallic metaphors

This week's words
copperplate
tin god
brass ring
iron curtain
silver lining

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A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garg

tin god

PRONUNCIATION:
(tin god)

MEANING:
noun:
1. A pompous, self-important person.
2. A person who regards himself or herself as infallible and tries to dictate standards of behavior or beliefs.

ETYMOLOGY:
From a reference to tin as a base metal compared to precious metals; in other words, petty or worthless. Earliest documented use: before 1880. A tin god may or may not have a tin ear.

USAGE:
"You're so used to playing tin god that you can't imagine anyone standing up to you!"
Sandra Marton; Spring Bride; Harlequin; 1996.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
People change and forget to tell each other. -Lillian Hellman, playwright (1905-1984)

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