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Showing posts with the label traditional institutions

Today's Words: Ripsnorter, Blinky and Iconoclast

  Ripsnorter (rip-snawr-ter) Noun something or someone remarkably good or exciting More about Ripsnorter An Americanism dating back to 1830–40. Formed from rip1 + snorter.  Examples of Ripsnorter She’s a ripsnorter of a performer, captivating the audience with her incredible talent and stage presence. Their vacation was a ripsnorter, filled with adventure, stunning scenery, and unforgettable experiences. Blinky (bling-kee) Adjective (of milk) sour More about Blinky The first adjectival use needs to be clarified. The verb blink in “to turn sour” has been attested since the 1600s. Compare this with the British dialect of blink, “to bewitch, turn (milk, beer) sour by witchcraft” + -y1.  Examples of Blinky The milk had gone blinky overnight, giving off a sour smell and curdling in the container. He grimaced when he tasted the blinky yoghurt, realizing it had spoiled even though it was still sealed. Iconoclast (ahy-kon-uh-klast) Noun a person who attacks cherished beliefs, traditional insti