I read about something being "calved off," though I hadn't heard "calve" used that way. I thought it was a misprint. However, in looking it up I see that another meaning is: "(of a glacier, an iceberg, etc.) to break up or splinter so as to produce a detached piece."

Have you heard it used to mean that? Is it common? How is it related to glaciers? Is it a different etymology from "calf" and "calve?"

I've seen this use fairly often referring to icebergs. The analogy is with a cow and its calf. Glaciers are of course the "parents" of icebergs.

I believe whales calve as well.

And mother whales are called cows ...

I too have heard the expression, but it does seem quite a specialized term. Not exactly in everyday conversation.

This, surprisingly, was used in a comic. I'll see if I can find it.

Here it is.

I always thought ice falling off a glacier meant it was deglazed.

Thanks, Proofreader, for breaking the ice!

I had only heard it used for pieces of a glacier breaking off, and not of icebergs, though that makes sense. I guess when the Titanic hit the iceberg, it must have calved.

Wordmatic

quote:

I guess when the Titanic hit the iceberg, it must have calved.

No, it sank.

I expect the passengers and crew had a cow.

Sorry for the ambiguity. "It" refers to the glacier, not the ship!

WM

The Titanic just reminded me of one of the funniest St. Patrick's Day jokes I've ever heard.

Pat and Mike are in a lifeboat after leaving a burning ship. They examine the boat's provisions but find there is no water on board. They do come across an old lamp, and when Pat rubs it, a genie appears, telling them he will grant them one wish.

Without thinking, Pat says, "I wish the ocean were made of Guinness."

The genie claps his hands and disappears. At the same instant the ocean turns dark and covered with foam. The two Irishmen grab cups and start to drink the beer.

After a few minutes, Mike says, "Pat, I think you may have made a big mistake with that wish."

"Why do you think that?"

"Well, for one thing, we're going to have to pee in the boat."