Sunday Rest: pyknic. Word Not To Use Today.

Pyknic (yes, you say it the same as picnic) is an entirely useless word. Well, everyone will think you actually mean picnic, of course.

And pyknic is entirely different.

Pyknic describes someone squat and, well, fat. Someone broad and fleshy. Someone wide of chest.

Pyknic is basically a Greek word, and the unfortunate coincidence of pyknic/picnic would be much more understandable if the word hadn't been made up in the 1900s, when the word picnic was already in wide use.

I can only suppose the person who coined the word was either a) having a laugh; b) trying to show off; c) forgetful of the fact that Ancient Greek is not everyone's first language or, d) so firmly ensconced in an ivory tower that he'd forgotten that it was possible to take a feast outside.

Anyway, pyknic. 

I won't use it if you won't.

Sunday Rest: pyknic. This word comes from the Greek puknos, which means thick.