Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Weird Word Wednesday


Word

Definition

A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes.


Today's weird word is:
 
 Puisne 

 
My definition:

I could go all over the board with this one. Pus in the knee? A few that aren't fit to type here? The main problem I see with this word is it has an identity crisis. It's a British term but French spelling. I mean, who wouldn't be confused? I feel sorry for the puny little thing...and that's exactly how it's pronounced - puny.

The dictionary definition:
 
adj.
Lower in rank; junior.
n.
One of lesser rank than another, especially an associate judge.
 
Tell me. Don't you feel sorry for this puny little word?

17 comments:

  1. Nah. Not sorry for it all. Neither fish nor fowl, though the pronunciation could only be English.
    Make up your mind Puisne, and then you can come back and play...Perhaps.

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    1. I don't think it wants to play, EC. Doesn't it look a little bit shifty to you? :D

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  2. I feel sorry for all the schoolkids trying to learn to spell it.

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    1. You're right, Alex. The spelling is atrocious which is why I never did well in French! :)

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  3. That puny little word needs to man up :)

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    1. Carol and Crystal! You have bonded over this puny little word...as Gary noted below. I'm afraid there's no help in the manning up section for it. Rumor has it the word was asked to leave...

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  4. Greetings human, River,

    First of all, I note that Crystal is with Carol. I hope they are having a good time....

    That poor word needs to go to a support group of confused words. Apparently, Gnome, Gnu, Knife and Knave, will give Puisne a empathy vote. They will all have a cup of coffee and wonder why "abbreviation" is such a long word.

    Pawsitive wishes,

    Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!

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    1. I think you're right, Gary. The confused "silent letter" crowd would have empathy for it. As for abbreviation, it wanted to stand out while pointing to the stubby parts it represents. ;)

      High five paws to Penny!

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  5. I think it's a neat word. But your definition has to be right, River. If it sounds like "puny" and it is "puny," then it means "puny. I know many associate judges, and they are definitely not "puny."

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    1. Maybe the less than puny judges use it to confuse the masses, Ron. ;) There's something unseemly about a silent "s." If I see one, I have to pronounce it!

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  6. Poor little word. It makes me cringe to try to say it!

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  7. I would have guessed some sort of dish involving frog hearts.

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    1. Bwahahaha! I like that, Mary! I wonder how you say, "it tastes just like chicken" in French?

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  8. So the s is silent? Or does it sound like I'm talking about cat knees?

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    1. The S is silent, Elizabeth. It's pronounced "puny." No cats here. :)

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