June 01, 2006, 15:13
Robert ArvanitisThe Greeks...
There is a saying, "the Greeks had a word for it..."
Is that an unattributable folk expression, or is there a source?
In searching, I have not found an attribution, but have found many delightful examples, unexpectedly apt Greek words adapted to contemporary use. (Perhaps that is a new theme for Vocabulary forum?)
June 01, 2006, 19:42
Kallehquote:
the Greeks had a word for it
Great question, Robert! I have been searching the Web for who said it, and haven't found it yet. However, in the meantime I found this article about words in other
languages. I particularly liked the German word
Zechpreller, meaning one who leaves without paying the bill. Also, a while ago I asked on this board if there were an English word to talking to oneself, but it doesn't seem to exist. However, the Chinese have a word
chenyin, meaning "muttering to oneself." You can see some cultural differences here, too. For example, the Dutch word
queesting means "allowing a lover access to one's bed, under the covers, for a chit-chat. Compare that with the Italian word,
pomicione, meaning "a man who seizes any chance of being in close physical contact with a woman."
I still haven't found a word in any language for navel lint, though.
June 02, 2006, 15:30
zmježdIt
seems the phrase originates from the title of a play (1930) by
Zoe Akins (1886-1958).
June 02, 2006, 19:56
KallehOnly on Wordcraft...thanks, Zmj. I would have guessed the quote was much older.
June 03, 2006, 05:41
zmježdI said
seems, and I still think that perhaps Wordcraft will find an earlier citation as is their wont.