My study of Latin has given me a life-long love of etymology; in fact the three dictionaries that are never far from my side are the C T Onions Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology, my big fat Collins Latin Dictionary, and the essential Collins Robert Anglo/French Dictionary. If they're not nearby, I panic!
Anyway, I say all that because I recently made a small discovery which amused me.
I was reading a book (in French) when I came across the description of a room which, it claimed, contained a collection of ancient dames-jeannes.
I had no idea what these were, so consulted my Anglo/French dictionary, and was amused by what I found.
Dames-jeannes translates as 'demijohns'; those large round bottomed glass containers, often used in the UK (and elsewhere) for wine/beer making.
On reflection the etymology was obvious, but as I'd never seen the words actually written down before, the translation came as a very pleasant surprise.
So, if I ever hear someone using the word 'demijohn', I shall nonchalantly, and confidently, inform them of the word's origin.... Little things, eh?
18 comments:
I understand your delight! My mum used to have a fund of sayings, most of which were altered, either by her personally or by time and usage. I have been reading Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin seafaring novels and it's amazing how many expressions come from a nautical context. And now of course I can't think of a single example ha ha.
I'm always amazed at the stuff that I don't know. Just last week I discovered that the word "limelight" comes from the time when they used lime to make stage lights. Never thought about it before. Doh!
Make a note of 'Dames Jeannes', Sue. It might come in handy.
A Lady Jane. I thought at first it was going to be something rude in translation. But just a Lady Jane
I did Latin at school for 4 years, and passed the exam at " O" level. I loved it, but could never understand why the girls in the year who were deemed not bright enough to learn Latin had to do " domestic science" instead.
As a child I lived next door to a Dame Jean. She was damed due to her high office in the navy. She was retired when I knew her and took us for walks as pseudo grandchildren. She was a proper lady. The thought of a roomful of Dame Jeans makes me quiver.
Perhaps the 'Demijohn' also contained another type of 1970 vintage? Sounds plausible.
Interesting. I bought a book recently which explains the origins of well-used phrases. Also a book of 18th century slang. You would be amazed to know what 'nincompoop' means.
Like you Cro, I have all my reference books on a shelf by my chair. I am an avid cryptic crossword doer (have won The Times crossword several times) and I also set them for a competition regularly for our local Nature Reserve. I have Chambers, Larousse, Roget and a dozen variations all ready for grabbing at a moments notice - all have seen better days as they are much used, but sentimentally I wouldn't change them for new ones.
Other than 'A Milliband supporter', I imagined it was just a fool; i.e. nin (non) comp (compus) oop (no idea). I suppose I'll now have to go and look it up!
Interesting. I love discovering the origins of words. Here Demijohns are also called carboys.
....and I would simply say 'Cheers' :-)
I had a moment of enlightenment when reading a novel in French. I came across Croque Mort. I translated it as dead cheese on toast......That was very silly as the toast was riding a motorbike with an apple green tank. It turned out it is French for undertaker and French slang for Hells Angel. I enjoy reading books in different languages they are much better value for money.
I recently finished reading that series! I found I needed my dictionary quite close. Mr O'Brian had an amazing vocabulary.
I just looked up demijohn in Webster's Dictionary online: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demijohn
They show a picture and say the etymology is from the French dame jean, literally Lady Jane, first use 1769.
I didn't know it was also a term for a Hell's Angel.... thank you!
Post a Comment