This blog is for everyone who uses words.

The ordinary-sized words are for everyone, but the big ones are especially for children.



Monday 3 June 2019

Spot The Frippet: navel.

Actually, given the present fashion for selfies and self-absorption, I probably shouldn't be encouraging navel-gazing.

Ah well.

Why not have a look for some navel oranges, instead?

File:Navel Oranges.JPG
navel oranges: photo by Brandizzi

All mammals have navels, but American cattle are unusual in having three, the two extras being found in the front part of the cut of meat called the plate:



It's used for pastrami.

There are a couple of cocktails called navels, the fuzzy navel consisting of one part vodka, one part peach schnapps and four parts orange juice.

On a larger scale, there are several places claiming to be the navel of the earth or the navel of the world. Some are religious sites, some are geographical oddities.

Where do you think should be the navel of the world? 

And where is the navel of yours?

Spot the Frippet: navel. This word comes from the Old English nafela, and its connections go right back to the Latin word umbilicus. Ray Foley came up with the name of the cocktail, fuzzy for the peach ingredient and navel for the orange. 



2 comments:

  1. I have just discovered you blog today.
    It will be so interesting for my grandchildren.

    Best regards from Dublin, Maria Buckley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome to The Word Den, Maria, and thank you very much for your kind words.
      I do hope your grandchildren find some lovely long words to play with soon!

      Delete

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