Oh the horror, the horror!
There are probably more repulsive words in the English language than fungineer, but I can't think of one at the moment.
What does it mean?
The word is so new that people are still arguing about that. (This gives me some hope that the wretched thing will be discarded before it gets entrenched in our minds.)
Some say a fungineer is someone who uses genetic engineering to manipulate fungi. I'm sure such people are a laugh a minute, but the use of the alternative mycologist must be more likely to get you a research grant.
The commoner idea about fungineers seems to define them as people who create stuff for fun, and without bothering much about, or having much respect for, the actual engineering bit.
Yes, an artist.
No, obviously not a serious artist.
I'd be surprised if anyone calling himself or herself a fungineer can get a grant from the Arts Council, either.
Word Not To Use Today: fungineer. Fun appeared as a word in the 1500s and might come from fon, which means to make a fool of. Engineer comes via French from the Latin ingenium, skill or talent.
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