Posted on 11/03/2005 4:45:21 AM PST by secret garden
In order that we might all raise the level of discourse and expand our language abilities, here is the daily post of "Word for the Day".
catachresis • \kat-uh-KREE-sis\ • noun
1. use of the wrong word for the context
2. use of a forced and especially paradoxical figure of speech
Example sentence:
The paper printed a correction for the previous day's catachresis: dubbing a local artist-philanthropist a "socialist" when they meant "socialite."
Etymology: As you might have guessed, "catachresis" is a word favored by grammarians. It can be employed as a fancy label of disparagement for whatever uses the grammarian finds unacceptable. Thus could Henry Fowler, in the 1920s, call "mutual" in "our mutual friend" a catachresis. (Fowler preferred "common," but "mutual" does have an established sense which is correct in that context.) More often, "catachresis" is used for an unintentional misuse and is very close in meaning to "malapropism," which usually refers to an unintentionally humorous misuse of a word. "Catachresis" has been used to describe (or decry) misuses of words since at least 1550. The word comes to us by way of Latin from the Greek noun "katachrçsis," which means "misuse."
Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence.
The sentence must, in some way, relate to the news of the day.
The Review threads are linked for your edification. ;-)
Practice makes perfect.....post on....
Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111 on this thread!)
Review Thread Two: Word For The Day, Tuesday 1/14/03: Roister
Review Thread Three: Word For The Day, Tuesday 1/28/03: Obdurate
WFB's attempt to emulate us ; ) No pushing at the door please!
I shouldn't said that
I'm angry that some , like Mr Delay and others dare suggest I other dems are not people of faith. Where do they get off. Should I have said what I said - No
I'n nevver said that publicly, the far right thinks it has a monopoly on religion. The far right is using it as an organizing tool, not as a spiritual means.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!
"It was not an illegitimate criticism"
Was Biden's remark about the grief he was getting from both his party and the other side in reference to how he spoke to and treated Justice Roberts.
I'm glad I caught that story on biden, gave me something to raise my blood pressure today.......lol - the world is full of self-rightous nutcases like biden.......
what are you watching?
I'm listening to a Delaware radio station online.
I listen to a Maryland station in the morning, then Fox radio for Tony Snow and then switch to the Delawre station for the local guys I know, and they Hannity comes on.
How hard is it to get nipple confusion?
(I mean, forsooth, no baby can count to two too soon?
greg p. just had a segment from paris -- he said "the two boys that were killed" -- I would say they died, NOT were killed......gees..........and that's fox
oh, pop a cork in it. miss ava is rip roaring and the bottle is ready.....wish me luck........
I have been on a major TV boycott kick. And have not watched any news in days. I went into an overload situation and just had to say enough.
Animal Planet, Comedy Channel, Travel Channel is about al I've paid attention to of late :) I even turned off the weather chanel.
I thought the weather channel was depressing with all the bad weather news. I am only now paying attention to news again since katrina overload hit.
AKA The PMS Channel
I'm getting enough listening to the radio.
I just want next Tuesday over with..........I'm tired of politics :)
But not to be confused with PMSNBC.
I hear ya. In Ohio we have terrible referendumbs to strike down and city council elections for my new town. I got roped into doing a few literature drops this weekend...and I've only been here a month.
Although it can't possible be as bad as VA with the governor's race.
Two boys are playing hockey on a pond in Fairmont Park when one is suddenly attacked by a vicious Rottweiler. Thinking quickly, the other boy takes his stick and smacks and knocks out the deranged dog, saving his friend. A reporter who was strolling by sees the incident.. "Eagles Fan Saves Friend From Vicious Animal," he starts writing in his notebook.
"But I'm not a Eagles fan," the little hero replied.
"Sorry, since we are in Philadelphia I just assumed you were," said the reporter and he starts writing again. The new story begins with "Flyers Fan Rescues Friend From Horrific Attack."
"I'm not a Flyers fan either," the boy said.
"Oh, I assumed everyone in Philadelphia was either for the Eagles or the Flyers. What team do you root for?" the reporter asked.
"I'm a Cowboys fan," the child said.
The reporter starts a new sheet in his notebook and writes, "Little Bastard From Dallas Kills Beloved Family Pet."
i have a sign in my front yard that comes down next wednesday......it will be a relief to have some quiet
miss ava drank an ounce and fell asleep on me, I couldn't coax her to finish the bottle...........sigh
You're a good rope target :)
The Gov's race is down to the wire.........I'm doing lit Saturday, signage Monday and Tuesday and poll greeting tuesday..........and my phone keeps needing to be recharged :)
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