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May 22, 2012
This week's themeMetallic metaphors This week's words copperplate tin god brass ring iron curtain silver lining Follow us on Discuss Feedback RSS/XML A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Gargtin god
PRONUNCIATION:
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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