The working vocabulary of the average 14-year-old has declined in the last 50 years from 25,000 words to 10,000. Language reflects the depth of our human experience. Because we think in words, are we losing the capacity to say what we feel?
Like, whatever.
What do Charles Dickens and Keith Richards have in common?
A Victorian-era author and a modern-day rock star? What?!
Probably not much, right? But there’s at least one thing I know of.
Bet you can’t guess what it is.
Before we talk about that, let’s talk about …
It’s finally flat-out spring, my dears. I bet this weekend you’re out there with your grills frying up some burgers, changing your oil, raking the lawn—complete with a break on the porch drinking some of your best homemade iced tea. One thing I hope you are not frying is …
Here’s an old word we need to put a farmgirl spin on: oikology
I know what you’re thinking. No, it’s not the science of pigs—that would be oinkology!
Here’s a hint … “oikos” means “house” in Greek.
Houseology?!
Again, I know what you’re thinking. That I’ve gone off my rocker. Not so …
And, the word “ecology” comes from the same root–the study of house/home, as in Planet Earth. All those interconnected niches and relationships…a lovely metaphor.
Thanks for the nifty tidbit!
Winnie Nielsen says: I am finally glad to hear that there is actually a scientific acknowledgement for what I have been doing the past 33 years!!! Nothing like validation to make this Farmgirl push onward!
Winnie # 3109
Debra, what an interesting thought. Thanks for contributing that.
Thanks MJ for the information.
Pleach.
Hmmm … okay …
The pleading cry of a baby bird? As in,
PLEACH! (Translation: Momma, I need a worm NOW!)
Nope, that’s not it. Try again.
Maybe it’s shorthand (shortmouth?)—a new slang term around the orchard, as in:
“Please pass the peach!”
Uh-huh. Not even close.
I’m grasping at straws, aren’t I? (How farmer of me.)
Pleach [pleech] is a verb that means to interweave or braid. Think branches, vines, wreaths, arbors …
Eileen Widman says: Would I were there I would happily partake in your fun pleaching party! I usually Plait mine in a french braid because it is so slippery that I cannot keep it in a strait braid. I saw a photo of a woven braid this week that I would love to try but it would take another person. I simply do not have eyes in the back of my head no matter how many times I have wished for them.
I don’t believe I’ve ever encountered such an all-inclusive word!
Gallimaufry (gal-li-maw’-free) n.
A hodgepodge, jumble; a mixture of diverse things. From the French galimafrée, “a stew, hash, ragout,” from galer, “to make merry,” plus “mafrer, “to eat heartily.”
This divine little word has been used to denote everything from a stew of leftover odds and ends from the kitchen, to a collage of art pieces or photographs, a collection of short stories, an assortment of musical pieces, a mismatched and motley crew of folks, and so on … you get the picture.
My crazy quilt closet is a gallimaufry of fabric. What does yours look like:)?
Naomi says: My craft room is a gallimaufry of patterned papers. I can’t wait to see what greeting card I come up with next! Thanks for this bounteous word! 🙂
Tomi says: Love it! Pastiche describes my art. Yes, I use a hodgepodge of materials!
I would love to see a close up of your crazy quilt. I just finished a throw this February. Love, Love those crazy quilts!
Diane Sanderson says: My husband and I are both excessive gallimaufriests.
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
What an amazing connection with Keith Richards! Ha!! And I quite agree that we all need to renew tha micawberish optimism on a regular basis!! I am working on it as we speak!
Winnie #3109