S. Worthen | Weblog

These are highlights from a list of keywords used to find a website of strange, unusual, and wonderful words. The initial phrases were the keywords used, while the italicized portions are the website's owner's commentary.

"using onions to predict weather: Stick an onion outside. Wait 10 minutes. If it's wet, it's raining. If it blows away, it's windy."

"how many words are in the word business studies: First, 'business studies' is not a word; it's two words. Second, there are two words in the word 'business studies'. No, wait ... "

Source: A posting in the etymology community recommended the website Phrontistery. The website, in turn, provides a link to its maintainer's LJ, forthright. Forthright, in turn, on the fourth of January, posted the list, from which these were excerpted. (Note: Most of the keywords aren't nearly as tasteful as the ones I've posted here.)