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Sunday, 30 March 2014

Sunday Rest: xerarch. Word Not To Use Today.

I am not a xerarch.

Are you?

If you don't know what a xerarch is, then what's your guess? Do you think you have more in common with me than not?

(Don't forget that xerarch might mean turnip. Or bald person. Or a tricycle.)

Okay, here's a clue: no one English is a xerarch, and neither is anyone from Germany; but some Africans and Americans are.

Is this word beginning to seem dangerous to you?

Xerarch, as you will have noticed, sounds like the cruel leader of some invading alien race with designs on Earth's supplies of custard.

Classic grey-type alien.

Yep. A xerarch is probably something to keep at arm's length.

Especially if you don't know what it means.

Sunday Rest: Word Not To Use Today: xerarch. This word comes from the Greek word xēros, which means dry, and the other Greek word, arkhē, a beginning.

And what is it? A xerarch is something that has its origin in a dry place.

2 comments:

  1. A xerarch can come from anywhere - wet or dry - just leave our custard alone!
    How can I have my favourite trifle without custard?!
    Goodness me, I shudder at the thought.
    Be gone xerarch!

    ReplyDelete

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