A.Word.A.Day

A.Word.A.Day

with Anu Garg

cozen

PRONUNCIATION:

(KUHZ-uhn)

MEANING:

verb tr.: To trick or deceive.

ETYMOLOGY:

The origin of the word is not certain. It is perhaps from French cousiner, in the sense of one claiming to be a cousin to derive a benefit from the relationship. According to another theory, it is derived from obsolete Italian cozzonare, from Italian cozzone (horse trader), from Latin cocio (dealer). The word cousin is also slang for someone gullible.

USAGE:

"Hobart began his career in art by cozening yokels out of unregarded treasures."
Rhoda Koenig; Kicking A Dead Horse; The Independent (London, UK); Sep 12, 2008.

Explore "cozen" in the Visual Thesaurus.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

After the game, the king and pawn go into the same box. -Italian Proverb

A.Word.A.Day

A.Word.A.Day

with Anu Garg

avuncular

PRONUNCIATION:

(uh-VUNG-kyuh-luhr)

MEANING:

adjective: In the manner of an uncle, in benevolence, affection, or good humor.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin avunculus (maternal uncle), diminutive of avus (grandfather). Ultimately from the Indo-European root awo- (an adult male relative), which is also the source of atavism, uncle, and ayah.

NOTES:

Originally the term referred to a mother's brother, from avunculus meaning maternal uncle (paternal uncle was patruus). What's fascinating is how it describes an uncle: avunculus, meaning a little grandfather. The word uncle is slang for a pawnbroker, so the word avuncular could also mean like a pawnbroker.
The female counterpart of the word is materteral, meaning auntlike.

USAGE:

"Daphne Merkin wrote that Madoff, with his avuncular charm, gave individual investors the sense of being part of an extended family."
Clark Hoyt; Behind a Byline, Family Ties; The New York Times; Apr 11, 2009.

Explore "avuncular" in the Visual Thesaurus.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

One will rarely err if extreme actions be ascribed to vanity, ordinary actions to habit, and mean actions to fear. -Friedrich Nietzsche, philosopher (1844-1900)

A.Word.A.Day

A.Word.A.Day

nepotism

PRONUNCIATION:

(NEP-uh-tiz-uhm)

MEANING:

noun: Favoritism shown to relatives and friends, especially in business or political appointments.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Italian nepotismo, from Latin nepos (grandson, nephew). Ultimately from the Indo-European root nepot- (grandson, nephew) that is also the source of the words nephew and niece.

NOTES:

The word originated from the practice of popes in the Roman Catholic Church to confer important positions to their sons. Since a pope had taken the vow of chastity, his son was euphemistically called a nephew.

USAGE:

"What is not siphoned off in corruption is wasted, due to the ineptitude of those appointed on the basis of nepotism and cronyism."
Mahreen Aziz Khan; Demo-crassy Rules; The Express Tribune (Karachi, Pakistan); Sep 25, 2010.

Explore "nepotism" in the Visual Thesaurus.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece. -John Ruskin, author, art critic, and social reformer (1819-1900)

A.Word.A.Day

A.Word.A.Day

with Anu Garg

Dutch uncle

PRONUNCIATION:

(duch UNG-kuhl)

MEANING:

noun: Someone who advises or criticizes frankly and sternly.

ETYMOLOGY:

The English and the Dutch have fought in many wars during the 17th and 18th century. Even though they are friendly with each other now, the English language still carries traces of the past animosity, demeaning the Dutch: from Dutch treat (where each must pay his or her own share), Dutch gold (imitation gold), Dutch courage (courage inspired by liquor), and so on. A Dutch uncle is the opposite of a typical uncle (kind and indulgent), he's not avuncular. You can be sure, he doesn't believe in nepotism.

USAGE:

"George Perry is the Dutch uncle some parents wished they could send their son to -- if the boy needed some straight talk."
Rayne Wolfe; Lessons & Lambs; Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, California); Jul 29, 2008.

Explore "Dutch uncle" in the Visual Thesaurus.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

Nothing contributes more to peace of soul than having no opinion at all. -Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, scientist and philosopher (1742-1799)

Eat Better, Eat Together Month

Child Health Month
Child Health Day
Family Health Month
Health Literacy Month
Hunger Awareness Month
National Apple MonthNational Bake and Decorate Month
National Caramel Month Link
National Chili Month
National Cookbook Month
National Popcorn Poppin' Month
National Pretzel Month
National Seafood Month
Spinach Lovers Month
Vegetarian Month
No Salt Week
1st Week
National Chili Week
1st Week
American Beer Week
2nd Week
National Food Bank Week
2nd Week
National School Lunch Week
2nd Week
National Pasta Week
2nd Week
National Kraut Sandwich Week
3rd Week
Pickled Peppers Week
3rd Week
Chicken Soup for the Soul Week
4th Week
National Desert Day
Second Thursday
Sweetest Day
Third Saturday


Eat The Seasons
Peak-Season Map at Epicurious.com
Apples, cucumbers, peppers, scallions, sweet potatoes, summer squash, tomatoes
http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/seasonalcooking/farmtotable/seasonalingredientmap

October 11 Observances

National Sausage Pizza Day
General Pulaski Memorial Day: (President)
International African Diaspora Day
National Coming Out Day
Simchat Torah
Columbus Day
Eleanor Roosevelt's Birthday (1884)
First Staffed ApolloMission Launched(1968)
Nat'l School Lunch Week
World Egg Day