Vocabulary: What Rhymes with Purple?

What rhyme with purple? Hirple!

Hirple: walk with a limp; hobble.
Oxford Dictionaries Online

I'm fairly certain that the word hasn't seen any real use since the 15th century, and never in America, but it's interesting for two reasons. The first, of course, is that it rhymes perfectly with "purple." The second interesting point is that it made me think about the different words for human locomotion and the subtle differences between them. What is the variation to "hirple" that set it apart from "limp" or "hobble?" Why didn't "hirple" remain in common use? There doesn't seem to be a solid answer, but perhaps it's just that fewer people have been hirpling since 600 years ago.

Vocabulary with Handsome Jack: Choking and Strangulation

In the recently released video game, Borderlands 2, a discussion occurs between the antagonist and his assistant regarding the difference between choking and strangulation. Below is the best link I could find to the  conversation, which begins at the 17 minute mark. If you have yet to finish the game, the segment itself does not really contain any spoilers. The video before it does, so beware.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48-J1hKDeSo

For people who cannot click the link, here is a transcript of the discussion:

Handsome Jack: Jimmy, please make a note: I'm strangling Mister Moorin for bringing up my wife.

Mister Blake: Choked... Mister Moorin...

Handsome Jack: No, no, Jimmy, choking is something you do when you eat too fast. As I'm crushing Mister Moorin's windpipe with my watch chain, what I'm doing is actually referred to as strangling.

It is a distinction that had never really occurred to me before. By most definitions, the two words are synonymous. The real difference comes from the specificity of "strangulation":

Choking: have severe difficulty in breathing because of a constricted or obstructed throat or a lack of air. Hinder or obstruct the breathing of (a person or animal) by choking.

Strangle/Strangulation: squeeze or constrict the neck of (a person or animal), especially so as to cause death.
Oxford Online Dictionary

While someone who is being strangled is also being choked, it is not always true that someone who is being choked is being strangled. Mister Blake's choice in words is not incorrect, but it is less precise and unacceptable to Handsome Jack. Even if Mister Blake recognized this, he was probably wise not to have argued.

Vocabulary: Germane

Germane (adj.): Closely related, connected, or relevant to the current topic or situation.
Courtesy of Oxford Dictionary Online

This could easily just be me, but I was largely unaware of this word until about two weeks ago when I read it somewhere and realized I'd never really encountered it before. This is a good example of how even relatively well-read people have plenty of opportunities to continue to expand their vocabulary.

As a fun aside, this definition arose from its use in Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act V, scene ii: "The phrase would be more germane to the matter if we could carry a cannon by our sides; I would it might be hangers till then."

Etymology: Sanitary and Sanity

The words "sanitary" and "sanity" sound similar, but the connection between the two seems tenuous; "sanitary" is generally used in reference to cleanliness, whereas "sanity" has to do with one's mind. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, both words share a root in the Latin word "sanus," meaning "healthy or sane."

Which came first, the sane egg or the clean one? The recorded use of "sanus" words in English describing mental health predates its use for describing physical health by 20 years, which is the etymological equivalent of one twin calling the other younger for being born second. Neither is more correct than the other, but it is interesting to know that two branches of words with quasi-related definitions came from a word that evidently meant both.

Blog Launch!

Welcome to Word Dig! The purpose of this blog is to share my passion for language with you, the eager public. Much of the upcoming content will consist of the exploration of interesting or obscure words, the etymological/historical origins of words, and links to other online resources regarding linguistics. Although this content will be largely focused on written/spoken English, since that is the subject matter I know best, the occasional foray into body language, signs, and other forms of language will not be unheard of.

"Why start a language blog?" you might ask. Language is what we use to communicate with one another, comprehend the world around us, formulate ideas, and basically function in any capacity as a sentient being. According to the Oxford Dictionaries website, (check the "Resources" tab at the top of the page) there are approximately 208,000 words in the English language that are in current use. Of those, the average adult vocabulary of known words can be tentatively set at around 50,000. Nobody can be expected to quadruple their vocabulary, but it is my belief that every new word or new understanding of an old word that someone learns is another step towards making better sense of life, the universe, and everything. If you've ever had a feeling or idea you couldn't put into words, those words probably exist and are just waiting to be found.

If you read this blog and take from it some interesting facts or simple entertainment, I will consider that a success. What I truly wish to do, though, is inspire you and others to become curious and think more critically about language. Everyone encounters and uses it every day, and by taking its analysis into your own hands you can shape and refine your perception of the world and your ability to communicate that perception to others.

Finally, If there's a resource, an interesting word definition or relationship, or anything else related to linguistics that you would like to share, please let me know and due credit will be given. Questions and comments are also greatly appreciated, so if there's specific question you have or a specific topic you'd like to see more of, be sure to make your opinion known. Be sure to share and enjoy!