Probably the most common use of the word offer is when it's used as a verb to mean presenting something (or someone, or an idea) for acceptance or refusal. "Can I offer you some cake to go with your tea?" What's offered can, in some cases, be called an offering. In marketing terms, an … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – offer
Wednesday word of the week
Wednesday word of the week – heist
Heist is a word I've heard, read and pretty much understood, but I don't think I've ever used it - until now. It's come to my attention because Amazon have labelled my new book as 'heist crime'. That didn't sound quite right to me and naturally I wanted to check if it was accurate. Heist … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – heist
Wednesday word of the week – Simmer Dim
In Orkney it never gets fully dark around midsummer. The sun sets below the horizon, and comes up again a few hours later, but it doesn't sink far enough for total blackness. The resulting, rather beautiful and magical feeling, twilight is known as the Simmer Dim. (Thanks to my lovely friend, appropriately named Dawn, for … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – Simmer Dim
Wednesday word of the week – clarted (and blackening)
Two for the price of one* this week! We've seen these signs in several beachside public toilets, here in Orkney. I knew clart meant sticky mud, or dirt generally, so guessed clarted meant to be covered in something messy, but overall the meaning was unclear to us, until we asked. Blackening is a pre wedding … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – clarted (and blackening)
Wednesday word of the week – Peedie
Peedie is a word used on Orkney, and probably much of the rest of Scotland, meaning little or small. It's used affectionately, rather than derogatorily. So I might refer to a friend who isn't tall as peedie, but not to a less than generous piece of cake - such as all that remained of the … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – Peedie
Wednesday word of the week – Groatie Buckies
Groatie Buckies is the Orcadian word for cowrie shells. It comes from John O'Groats (a nearby point on the Scottish mainland) and buccinum, which is Latin for shellfish, apparently. I first heard the term when I spotted two young ladies clearly searching for something on the beach. Being a writer, and therefore nosy, I asked … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – Groatie Buckies
Wednesday word of the week – Rollick
Rollick means to behave in a carefree, boisterous manner or to have a frolicksome adventure. I often have a rollicking good time on our campervan adventures (I'll spare you the details of any frolicking which may occur)
Wednesday word of the week – Stopple
A stopple is a stopper or plug, usually for a bottle. We seem to have quite a few. I've no idea if they work - once our wine is open, we drink it rather than go round stoppling it. Actually stopple is the verb as well as the noun, but however you say it, it seems an odd thing to do.
Wednesday word of the week – Aardwolf
An aardwolf is a grey and black stripy, African animal, related to hyenas. It eats insects (up to 250 termites per sitting) and is nocturnal. They're rather cute. I'm sorry I don't have a picture - next time I'm wandering the scrublands of Easterm Africa at night, I'll be sure to put that right. I mention them … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – Aardwolf
Wednesday word of the week – Lugubrious
Lugubrious sounds as though it should be something fun, doesn't it? It actually means, doleful, mournful or dismal. As far as I can recall I've only ever come across it in relation to speech, but characters needn't just speak lugubriously, the could show their inner lugubriousness through a sad expression and dejected manner. Much as I like the … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – Lugubrious