Q: Hi Kel, why do we call something that particularly bothers us a ‘pet peeve?’ Cheers, Adam
A: 'Peeve' is what is called a back-formation from the earlier word 'peevish' (meaning easily irritated). Against this we can see 'pet peeve' means a thing that you find particularly irritating. 'Peevish' came into English from a classical Latin word perversus (meaning something that has gone awry, is wrong or perverse -- and things like that irritate us, make us 'peevish').
Q: What is the origin of 'kowtow'? Pamela
A: 'Kowtow' means to submit respectfully. It came into English in the early 1800s from a Chinese expression to describe that same sort of submission. The Chinese original literally means 'to knock one's head" -- picturing a person bowing down and knocking their head against the floor.
Q: I don’t understand the difference between Islam, Islamists, Islamism, Muslims, Moslems etc.
But it seems to me that while not all Muslims are terrorists, but all terrorists re Muslims.
And where and why do they think that Jews and Christians are the infidels? Islam is the “last kid on the block” and didn’t appear until early 7th century, A.D. Judaism and Christianity were around for a lot longer, so how come they think that they are right and other religions are not.
Cheers, Heather
A: Islam teaches that Mohammad was God's 'last prophet" (in the sense of being God's final word). Therefore, they say, Islam supersedes everything that came before, and everyone, everywhere is required to submit to Islam. The word 'Islam' means 'submission' and 'Muslim' means 'one who submits.' The central proposition of Christian -- that God himself has visited this planet, incarnate in human form as Jesus Christ -- horrifies Muslims. For Christians Jesus is "God's last word" -- God's final and complete revelation of himself. (For Jews too God has spoken over the centuries through his prophets, as recorded in the Jewish scriptures). So, for Islam Jews and Christians are the enemy, and they must be required to submit. Does any of that help at all?
Q: In the Bee Gee's song "The Spicks and the Specks".......What does Spicks mean? Miles (East Ballina, NSW)
A: I have no idea where the Bee Gees got their words from, or what they meant by them ... BUT both 'spick' and 'speck' are old names for fat from either beef of bacon. When I was a boy, beef fat was called 'dripping' and you could buy it in cartons from the butcher. In those days the Sunday roast was cooked in dripping (almost pure cholesterol!) which would horrify people today. I remember boys I went to school with having dripping as a sandwich filling -- can you imagine that ever happening today? I wonder if the Gibbs brothers (in their early childhood in England) ever had cheap meals made mainly from beef and/or bacon fat -- meals that were called 'spicks and specks'?
Q: The word “sanction” seems to be employed in conflicting senses, it can mean either an application of approved permission, or it can be used to in an opposite sense, as in, say, trade sanctions, which it means non approval. How can the same word be used for opposite meaning? Andrew (Brisbane)
A: 'Sanction' can appear work as what work as what is called an 'auto-anonym' because the core notion of 'sanction' is a legal judgement -- and a legal judgement can be either negative or positive, either for or against. The Latin source word means 'a decree or ordinance' -- and as such can record either an approval or a penalty.
Q: Given the definitions, is Islamism much the same thing as Zionism, except that: (1) Zionism includes democracy, humanities and the rule of law, and (2) Islamism (apparently) doesn’t? Mark.
A: Your use of the word 'democracy' is the key here. The central concept in Islam is one of submission -- nor questioning, not decided (i.e. voting) but submitting. Ultimately, there is no way an Islamic caliphate can be democratic.
Q: Dear Kel, Surely the word used by Richard Marles to describe above incident should have been provocative not unprofessional? Kind regards, Jan.
A: I agree that Richard Marles language did seem to be pussyfooting around China, as if afraid of coming on too strong. Perhaps even 'provocative' is not enough? Perhaps 'act of aggression' says what was really going on?
Q: Okay Kel, another unusual expression for you. What is the origin of “the bees knees”?
Implying something is “the best”, but I fail to see any connection with a bee having knees.
Thank you, Ken
A: It comes from America in the 1920s. It never meant anything except a bit of fun slang. For some reason the Roaring 20s (the "jazz age" of the Great Gatsby etc.) produced a lot of these sorts of nonsense expressions ("the cat's pyjamas" among others). The "bee's knees" is just one of them. People have tried to invent justifications for the expression (going on about the ingenuity of bee's knees) -- but that is all nonsense. It was never anything but a fun expression.
Q: Hi Kel, In the last few weeks I’ve heard, and read, the terms “unalive” and “deleted” with reference to death and anything to do with death. e.g. She was deleted last night at 9 pm ….she died… She deleted her sister….she killed her sister He was deleted in a car accident And
He didn’t leave an unalive note…no suicide note Committed unalive…suicided Is this the new woke terminology or something else? Are people getting afraid of the words death and dead?
Have you heard it? To be honest, I find it quite bizarre. “Delete” a person and there’s no record of them ever existing It’s rather like everything to do with you is being erased from the script of the book that’s your life story. I guess “erased” will be the next new alternate word for died or death Love listening to you and John. Kindest regards, Connie
A: There has been sensitivity about saying the "death" word group for a long time. Hence the common use of "passed away" rather than "died." But words such as "deleted" and "unalive" I have never encountered. I'll do some research and see what I can find.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: I have now discovered that the Urban Dictionary records 'unalive' meaning 'to render someone dead' from July 2022. This apparently came into fashion because certain words are likely to get you banned on certain social media platforms -- so 'unalive' was safer in those circumstances than 'dead' or 'kill.' And the same Urban Dictionary records 'delete yourself' as a bowdlerized version of 'go kill yourself' from December 2018.
Q: Hi Kel, Sadly I think aitch/haitch is a lost cause. Teachers ‘taught’ haitch and now thousands of the younger generation say haitch. Yesterday, so many people repeating to me an email address over the phone said ‘haitch’ after I’d said ‘aitch’ to them. Today all I heard from football commentators today was ‘haitch IA’ when players went off for ‘head injury assessments’.
I used to think it was a small minority but now… I know your thoughts as well but it has become. Is it sad that I get excited when I hear someone say ‘aitch’? Regards, Martin
A: Your observations alarm me. I thought we were fighting a vigorous rear-guard action on this one. I keep telling people (what you already know) -- namely, that there is no such word as "haitch", however "aitch" is found in all the best dictionaries. That is the name of the 8th letter of the alphabet. Is it really true that ignorance now rules?
Q: The right to 5 basic freedoms were adopted by the United Nations in 1948 and my understanding has always been that these rights were subject to boundaries against harmful abuse. Is this so? Freedom is not doing what you want but wanting what you do which some of your Fox compatriots do not realize. Tony
A: I suspect you are thinking of the "four freedoms" spelled out by Franklin Roosevelt in his 1941 State of the Union address: (1) Freedom of speech, (2) Freedom of worship, (3) Freedom from want and (4) freedom from fear. And you are quite right -- my freedoms are limited by your freedoms, and your freedoms by mine. For instance, "freedom of worship" does mean a muezzin has the right to call Muslims to prayer over a loudspeaker at 5am right next to your house. Our care for each other is the fence around our freedoms.
Q: More I thought was a larger number of quantity or numbers so why do Uni-educated journalists etc refer to more faster or more higher etc?
A: Sheer ignorance! It is highly improper to use "more" as an adverb qualifying "faster" or "higher".
Q: Hi Kel: "Encampment" -- I wonder if you can help us understand this word and where it came from. It seems to have come from nowhere. Perhaps you could tell us all, with Peta on Wednesday night. Cheers, Richard (North Ryde NSW)
A: It's actually quite old (1686) and began life as a military term for a body of soldiers camped in tents (or the like). From around 1725 onwards it was used to mean the temporary quarters, formed by tents, vehicles, etc., occupied by a body of people. I haven't noticed it in the news (perhaps I've missed it). In what context did you come across it?
Q: What is the history of the phrase 'beggars belief'? When did this phrase become popular? Mary (Balmoral)
A: It goes back to 1780 -- when "beggar" could still be used as a verb. "To beggar" someone was to reduce them to pleading for subsistence. And if you want me to believe what you're saying (which sounds so unbelievable) you have reduced belief to being a beggar.
Q: My Nana used to say face-ache. She would say what is your problem face-ache? Steve (Maroochydore)
A: 'Face-ache' started out in 1784 with a literal meaning -- an aching face caused by neuralgia. But it quickly became British slang for an ugly or miserable-looking person (frequently as a form of address). By the time your Nana was using it, it has been softened into an almost affectionate expression.
Q: Why is the term ambulant used? Ross (Twin Waters)
A: It comes from a Latin source word meaning 'able to walk.' I have seen signs in hospital emergency areas designated for 'ambulant patients' -- which I assume means any patients not actually lying on a stretcher! Why is the word used? I don't know. Is it the medical profession's fondness for Latin expressions? Interestingly, this is the source of the word 'ambulance' (meaning a vehicle to transport the sick) -- since the word has been adapted in that instance for those patients who are NOT ambulant (or ambulatory). Perhaps the implication is the vehicle does their "walking" for them?
Q: Why do we say, ‘and Bob’s your uncle’ to mean okay?’ Adam
A: No one knows the original of this expression for certain. There are a number of theories. The most often-heard and attractive theory — albeit suspiciously neat — is that it derives from a prolonged act of political nepotism. The Victorian prime minister, Lord Salisbury (personal name Robert) appointed his rather less than popular nephew Arthur Balfour to a succession of posts. But everybody who has looked into the history of the expression has ended up baffled. Bob has had many slang associations down the years, often linked to crime, gambling or deceit. The slang phrase all is bob, meaning that everything is pleasant, satisfactory or safe, dates from the seventeenth century. It’s in The New Dictionary of the Canting Crew of 1699 as it’s all bob and other entries in the same work similarly imply that bob referred to something good. From the eighteenth century on it was a common generic name for somebody you didn’t know. One or other of these could conceivably have contributed to the genesis of Bob’s your uncle.
Q: "Dead as a doornail"? Jessica
A: From the Middle Ages it was common to hammer large nails into heavy wooden doors to strengthen them. These nails would be cinched -- have the end hammered over on the inside of the door. That would make the nails un-reusable (you couldn't pull them out and use them elsewhere). So, they were "dead" doornails.
Q: Where did the term dead heat originate? Brian
A: "Heat" started off meaning a run given to a racehorse to prepare it for a race. Later it came to be applied to a race that was a preliminary event to a final. As long ago as the 1600s "dead" was being used as an "intensifier" -- as a way of saying "very much so", or (in the case of a race) "very close." Hence, "dead heat."
Q: How come the word "sorry" has two different meanings? Either an apology for wrongdoing (“Sorry I broke your vase.”) or an expression of condolences (“Sorry to hear of your father’s illness.”) Bill
A: "Sorry" is a very old word -- going back to the days when Anglo Saxons spoke Old English. Its original core meaning was 'sadness'. But language doesn't stand still, and over time many words develop multiple meanings. In the case of 'sorry' it came to reflect (at least) two types of sadness -- the empathetic sadness of sharing your unhappiness, and the guilty sadness over causing your unhappiness.
Q: Wondering about the phrase " reading the riot act ". Where did this originate from? John (Cronulla)
A: These days we use it to mean reprimanding someone. But it began as a literal expression. The "Riot Act" was an act of parliament passed by the British government in 1715, designed to prevent civil disorder. The Act made it a felony for an assembly of more than twelve people to refuse to disperse within one hour of being ordered to do so, which involved reading aloud read a specified portion of the Act by a lawful authority. The Riot Act was repealed in 1967.
Q: Where did 'non-binary' relating to gender originate and from whom? Terry (Tugun QLD)
A: It started out (in 1941) as meaning "not part of two" -- as in "our Sun is a non-binary star." In1995 it was applied to human sexuality which (biologically) is binary (either XX or XY). The Oxford English Dictionary puts it this way: "non-binary means not identifying as male or female; having a gender identity that does not conform to traditional binary notions of gender." This is based on the claim that gender and biology have no connection. It's that underlying assumption to makes little or no sense to most people. Jesus famously said: "in the beginning the Creator made them male and female" (Matthew 19:4). Most people would agree.
Q: The use of " Two times " instead of Twice absolutely frustrates me. Twice to me is the correct word. Two times sounds like it's for the illiterate. Peter (Cooroy)
A: Does it come from childhood? When children learn their multiplication tables, they often call them their "times tables" and learn about the "two times / three times / four times etc." tables. So, rather than being illiterate (since the phrase it literally true) is it infantilizing the language?
Q: Kel, how did the slang term conk out develop? Sylvian (Castlemaine VIC)
A: This first appears around the time cars were becoming common (1918) and it referred to engines breaking down. I wonder if it started off being onomatopoeic? An imitation of a coughing, spluttering internal combustion an engine as it dies?
Q: "Advancements" seems to be replacing "advances" -- "-ment" is being added to words. Why? Peter (Wagga Wagga)
A: The fads and fashions of language can be puzzling. And I am puzzled by this one. Is it meant to make the matter seem more important? I'm not sure.
Q: Hi Kel, we watch you on Peta Credlin's show and would love you to tell us on there what does "Shiver Me Timbers" mean? Cheryl (Davistown NSW)
A: The saying became widely associated with pirates after Robert Louis Stevenson included it in his classic novel Treasure Island in 1883. In fact, the famous character Long John Silver recites iterations of the phrase several times throughout the book. But it is older than that. Variations of the phrase appear in print as early as 1795. According to the Oxford English Dictionary one early definition of “shiver” is “to break or split into small fragments or splinters.” And “timber” is “wood used for the building of houses, ships, etc.” In the context of ships specifically, the “timbers” were the wooden support frames of the vessel. But it seems to have been used mainly as either an expression of surprise, or as an oath. A character in the 1834 novel Jacob Faithful by Frederick Marryat stated, “I won’t thrash you, Tom. Shiver my timbers if I do.” In this context, the speaker is calling upon a higher power to strike him down if he is lying.
Q: Where has "stiffen the bats" come from. Carol (Forest Glen)
A: This is a new one on me. But it sounds like another of those nonsense ways of expressing surprise, like 'starve the lizards' or 'stone the crows.
Q: Hi Kel. We love your segment on Wednesdays with Peta Credlin. My question is, what is the difference between "antisemitism" and "Zionism"? Ronnie (Bungendore)
A: 'Anti-Semitism' means 'hatred of Jews' and was coined in 1880 -- based on an earlier German word (apparently) coined by a notorious Jew hater Wilhelm Marr (1819–1904), a German journalist and publisher. 'Zionism' originally meant a movement among Jewish people for the re-establishment of a Jewish nation in Palestine. Now that Israel exists (in the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people) Zionism means support for the development and protection of the state of Israel.
Q: Hi Kel, we love watching you on Credlin and the word I have been curious about is COOL. Everybody uses it in so many ways. I am in my 70's and have probably used it forever. Cheers, Dawn
A: The word "cool" (as a modern slang word) seems to have emerged from the world of jazz music around 1948 -- when "hot" jazz was replaced by "cool" jazz. But this usage has a long history behind it. Using the word "cool" to mean laid back, calm, controlled, goes back to the 1500s. And I suspect this is what those jazz musicians had in mind when they chose this word to name their type of jazz. What I find most interesting is that of all the slang words and colloquial expressions this one ("cool") keeps being used by generation after generation. It is still used by the kids today. Usually, slang is the fastest changing part of language, and normally the slang of one generation is dropped by the next. But this hasn't happened in t the case of "cool." Fascinating!
Q: The word levy Does the word levy have a legal requirement? I have always believed that to impose a levy on the people you need 100% agreement of the people. Tom
A: "Levy" just means a contribution or tax. And no, it doesn't need 100% support (at least that's not built into the meaning of the word). In a democracy a majority of the people chose the government, and the government imposes charges, taxes, levies. In other forms of government there is a governing authority (king, dictator or whoever) whose authority extends to imposing charges, taxes and levies. A levy can be imposed by any body that has the authority to do so -- agreement of those levied is not required.
Q: How did the English 'Do' originate, when part of a verb? Example. 'Do you swim'? Why not simply 'Swim you'? similarly to many European languages. Tony
A: "Do" is an ancient verb that goes back to the birth of English more than a thousand years ago. It came from a Germanic source (and there are related words in other Germanic languages.) It functions as what is called "an auxiliary verb" in English. (That auxiliary role is often played by the verb "to be.") Why some sentence constructions (and some verbs) require a supporting auxiliary verb is beyond my understanding -- but I suspect it became important when English ceased to be an inflected language. Without inflections at the end of words (indicating their case and function) extra "support" verbs were brought into to indicate what the inflectional ending would otherwise have shown.
Q: How do you pronounce 'contribute' or 'contributed'? Some people pronounce them differently, but I don't know how to describe it other than they prolong the 'cont' part. Michael
A: The Oxford offers two pronunciations: (1) kuhn-TRIB-yoot or (2) KON-truh-byoot. They are regarded as equally acceptable, equally correct.
Q: Hi Kel, I was reading a book the other day and came across the words "hornswoggled" and "caparison". I'd never heard of either, so looked up their meanings. Know you love your words, so thought I'd tell you about them. Kind regards, Lesley (Springton SA)
A: As you now know, the verb 'to hornswoggle' started out as American slang (around 1829) and meaning 'to cheat or swindle or hoodwink.' As to its origin, the Oxford says: "Probably a fanciful, arbitrary formation" -- which means, they don't know! 'Caparison' means to dress up and is much older -- around 1589). It comes from a very similar French word with the same meaning.
Q: I keep hearing this interesting word "unequivocally". Could you give me some background on where that came from? Jonathan (Tenterfield)
A: The word means completely clear and without any possibility of doubt. The source word 'equivocal' means 'having two interpretations.' It comes from a Latin source word aequivocus meaning "ambiguous." So, if something is not ambiguous, and has a clear, single meaning then it is 'unequivocal.'
Q: Origin please of the word poppycock which my mother used when we told a furphy. Anthony (Edithvale)
A: Not all that old -- it came into English in 1852. The source was a Dutch word poppekak, which literally means ‘doll's excrement’ -- and since dolls don't have excrement it means 'nonsense.'
Q: Hi Kel, love your section on PETA’s show on Sky every Wednesday. It’s good also to address the key cultural issues of today! However, you are not correct in saying that Islamists are the radical part of Islam. I suggest you read the Koran, the history of Mohammed and the books written such as It is about Islam. Moderate Islam is hiding from the truth. The radical Islamists are the true followers of Mohammed and Moderate Islam knows this and this is in part why they say so little. Also, Islam is a religion, so it can be renounced or followed at will, but being a Jew is tied to race and this can’t be changed. David (Sunshine Coast)
A: I stand corrected. My friend and Sky colleague Chris Kenny has also phoned me to point out that 'Islamist" does not mean radical -- rather it means those Muslims support the full implementation of Sharia law and the submission of the whole nation to Islam (as a 'caliphate').
Q: A question that’s haunted me for some time, exacerbated following your comments tonight on words relating to “Islam”, is: Why is any negativity expressed about the Islamic or Muslim faith described as “Islamophobia”? As the suffix “-phobia” means “fear of” (and not “persecution of”), the current common usage seems to me to carry the completely opposite connotation!
Thank you for your consideration. Kind regards, Graham
A: "Islamophobia" was coined as a parallel construction to already existing words such as "homophobia". This group of words was always badly formed, because opposition to their belligerence was never based on fear but on a reasonable disagreement with their arguments. In the case of "Islamophobia" I suppose it might be argued that fear is a reasonable response to Islamist terrorism. But I still think this whole group of "phobia" words is badly formed and should not be used.
Q: What is the meaning of the word WOKE and where did it originate. Simon (Peppermint rove WA)
A: It began as Black American slang as long ago as the 1890s -- with the idea of being alert, fully awake and aware. It was common 'street' language among African American by the 1950s. It was then adopted by trendy white people to claim that they saw what was going on, and (by implication) what other people were missing. They used it with a sense of superiority. These were the same people trying to impose "political correctness" on everyone else. The "Woke" version of political correctness is the belligerent, bullying version that wants to force compliance on everyone else. These days, only the enemies of the Woke use the word to label the bullies they are resisting.
Q: "Existential" is a word used by journalists in recent times. Can you explain in simply? Bruce (Port Macquarie)
A: "Essential" is used these days to mean "extremely important and necessary". It comes from the source word "essence" (Latin essentia) -- meaning that which makes something distinctive. Therefore, for thing to exist at all, it has to be like this. Does that make sense?
Q: Good evening, KEL. Jen and I have 2 questions: - 1. How does one approach a dignitary and correct him/her in the pronunciation of the word MISCHIEFOUS? There is no such word as MISCHIEVIOUS. One of our former State Premiers is a constant offender. 2. Also - two of the footy codes that embrace women - NRLW and AFLW refer to their players as FEMALES. WHY? AM SURE PETA CREDLIN WOULD HAVE AN OPINION ON THAT. Regards. Grae and Jen (Bribie Island)
A: I have tried to correct the pronunciations of public (and not so public) people over the years -- it doesn't work. Even if the person concerned agrees and changes their pronunciation at that moment, they soon revert to their own way of saying the word. And why sporting officials use any of the words they do, I cannot explain. Are they worried that 'women' is a disputed word by the Woke? Do they think 'female' is safer? Perhaps. But I have no insight into their thinking.
Q: In primary school in the 1940s I was taught that Captain Cook careened his ship by dragging it ashore and tipping it on its side so that repairs could be carried out. In recent years I often read about a car "careening" around a corner instead of "careering" around a corner. Has the meaning of the word "careen" changed during my lifetime? Raymond (Everton Park)
A: No, the language has not changed. However, the level of ignorance has! 'Careen' still means what it did as long ago as 1600 -- to turn (a ship) over on one side for cleaning, caulking, or repairing. And 'career' still means 'to move at full speed.' Blame the education system that stopped serious attempts to teach the English language some 40 years ago.
Q: G’day Kel. Where did the word cockpit in relation to aircraft come from, and is it true if it’s a female pilot, it’s called the box office? Cheers, Glenn (Castle Hill)
A: The expression is not so disreputable. "Cockpit" comes from the old blood sport of cock fighting -- and the small space for the pilot on early aircraft was seen to be about the size of the pit in which fighting cocks fought to the death.
Q: What is the meaning of “shake a leg?” Joan (Nambour)
A: It just means to hurry -- to move (that is "shake") your feet quickly. It's not new. It has been used this way since at least 1661.
Q: Can I clarify the word unique? Why do journalists continually try to dramatize and sensationalize it. I believe something is either unique or not. They continually try to qualify the word saying things like “it’s quite unique “or it’s “most unique”. Matt (Northcote)
A: This is one of the classical grammar questions. Strictly speaking you are quite correct. 'Unique' is a counting word -- it means 'one.' So, it is clearly impossible to be 'quite one' or 'most one' (to use your examples). However (you knew there was a 'however' didn't you?) -- most style guides now say that 'unique' has become what they call a 'general intensifier' and as such can be used with a qualifying word. I fought the "unique" battle for many years, but I think we have now lost this one.
Q: The verbification of nouns -- in sport broadcasts they say someone ‘goaled’ In AFL they ‘soccered’ it. Can any noun go this way (and if it is popular, it eventually becomes a word)? Christopher (Gold Coast)
A: I suppose there is no limit. Nouns (such as "goal" and "soccer") have been turned into verbs for centuries now. Shakespeare did it! It is simply part of the flexibility and inventiveness of the English language.
Q: Hi Kel, where does the word “Dinkum” i.e. Fair Dinkum come from? Regards, Tony (Townsville)
A: It started out as an old English dialect word meaning "work". In Robbery Under Arms by Rolf Boldrewood the narrator (Dick Marston) says "It took an hour's hard dinkum to move the cattle up the valley." 'Fair dinkum' arose from this, originally meaning a fair day's work for a fair day's pay. Then it shifted to mean a more general term of approval.
Q: Where does the phrase ‘wear your heart on your sleeve’ originate? Jenny
A: In the Middle Ages, sleeve not only referred to a part of a garment covering the arm but to a piece of armor for covering and protecting the arm. When participating in a joust, knights would often dedicate their performance to a lady of the court and wear something of hers, such as a scarf or ribbon, around their sleeve of armor, which indicated to the tournament's spectators which lady the knight favored. This chivalrous and affectionate gesture may be the source of the saying "wear your heart on your sleeve."
Q: Hi Kel! I am just having trouble understanding why the word ‘terrorism’ is used to describe a politically or ideologically motivated act of violence. I would argue that ‘terrorism’ is any act of violence that is committed by a human which makes people feel terrorised due to unusual violent actions and behaviours and of the perpetrator. Would you be able to explain? Thanks, Razi
A: "Terrorism" means the use of violence such as bombing, shooting or kidnapping to obtain political demands. This makes it different from non-political acts (thieves just want money, even violent thieves, not political power). And it is different from normal warfare because it involves acts that trained soldiers in combat would not normally do (or that are banned from doing under the Hague conventions of war). And it is not the normal political process of trying to persuade the people to give their support. For instance, when Hamas kidnapped 250 Israeli civilians and took them as hostages what they did is a war crime under the Hague conventions of war. When terrorists flew aircraft into the World Trade Centre in New York, what they did was neither a violent crime nor was it an act of war -- it had no purpose except to strike fear and terror intro the hearts of anyone who opposed Islamism. It seems to me to be a clear category.
Q: Re: "autism". I have a very personal experience of autism as 2 of my grandchildren have been classified as “highly functional autistic”, more or less what you’ve classified as the Asperger Syndrome. The actual diagnosis seems to be highly proliferate in names and has varied over time, but it’s pretty well as you’ve described it. Both are highly intelligent though quite narrow in the range of interests, both are intensively and exclusively interested only in that range and become experts in these topics. Both prefer their own company, and are less aware of others’ opinions and reactions to them than most.
As for the uptick in diagnosis due to the NDIS, I can tell you that from my family’s experience that the NDIS literally forced itself on such people and their families. With the introduction of the NDIS all other services, state and community based, were withdrawn and there was simply no other options for the intense treatment such children require. Their mother turned to the NDIS, because all other services she relied on were subsumed by it.
I cannot tell whether there is over-diagnosis due to the NDIS, but there’s certainly a concentration of services into it as the states and the community organizations have got out of this area and left no other option for those who need the services.
Cheers, John
A: My wife and I know a woman (some years younger than us) who seems to have exactly those symptoms, His is a highly qualified lawyer, but displays those 'Doc Martin' characteristics that used to be called 'Aspergers.' But, as I say, she is a lawyer. So, your grandchildren, being highly intelligent, may have bright futures in the professions.
Q: Hi Kel, Brittany Higgins’ partner has said that he cannot afford to defend himself against Senator Reynolds’ impending defamation trial. He waves the white flag and asks for Senator Reynolds to put the whole thing behind her. Aside from the fact that this appears to be a hypocrite’s call for mercy, could you please explain why the flag waved was historically white?
Cheers, Adam
A: A white flag (indicating surrender or a truce or a ceasefire) is recognised under the Hague conventions of war. Its use goes back to the Middle Ages when armies fought under the banner of their feudal Lord. A white flag or banner indicated that the person carrying it was no longer under his lord's fighting banner and wanted to do something other than fight.
Q: While on the subject of old sayings, I recall one of my teachers in England back in the late 1940s, which gives me age away, whose name was Mr Woolly (known to the boys as ‘Fluff’) who admonished me when I was late getting into his class one day. He said “Miller,” (we were known by our surnames, so I was Miller 1, and my younger brother was Miller 2) “you’ll probably be late for your own funeral”. Tony, Isabella Plains, ACT.
A: A wonderful old expression! Thank you for reminding us.
Q: Hey Kel, how did “lurk” get two meanings… “loiter “ and “privilege”? Is the latter “lurk” derived from “lark”, as in “skylarking”? Regards, Bill
A: The different meanings are related. 'Lurk" started out (in the 1300s) meaning 'hiding'; by the mid 1500s this included hiding from work (being idle); and then in Australia (and only here) in the 1800s 'lurk' developed from the second meaning to become 'a scheme, a dodge, a plan of action, ruse (not necessarily implying fraud).' But it was often a scheme that was 'hiding' its true intent. So, all from a single source -- such is the magical power of the English language!
Q: Hi Kel, could you please explain the origins and meaning of the phrase " Poet Laureate " Thanks. John (Cronulla, NSW)
A: Originally: an eminent or distinguished poet, thought worthy of the laurel crown of the Muses (later sometimes used as an honorific title conferred by certain universities). In modern use usually (with capital initials): (the title given to) a poet appointed as an officer of the Royal Household, to write poetry for court and national occasions.
Q: G’day Kel, three days ago a report in The Australian on a rugby league matter used the word ‘agreeance’. My comment, rejected by the Editor, was “A journalist uses ‘agreeance’! Oh, dear”.
This comment was rejected. Maybe the Editor uses this abominable word too?
How and where did this ‘word’ originate? Douglas, (Chapman ACT)
A: Back in the 1500s there was a Scottish dialect word 'agreeance' which fell out of use long ago. But, this is not an old Scottish word revived -- this is a newly coined piece of ignorance!
Q: A simple of question: "Discussion" seems to have fallen out of use. It seems politicians in particular want to have "conversations". I have generally used conversation in a "friendly context" whereas I have use "Discussions" when there is perhaps an element of debating a matter. What is your view? Malcolm (Napier NZ)
A: It's partly the fads and fashions that plague language (along with everything else). But it's also partly a reflection that there is no room these days for disagreement. If you disagree you are to be banned as peddling misinformation. They will only talk to people who already agree with them. Hence, there is no room for a word such as "discussion" that might include opposing points of view.
Q: Good afternoon, Kel, just a comment on sentence construction!!! This afternoon checking nine news on my phone I read an article about whales in W.A. “The latest mass whale beaching on the Western Australian coast has raised serious questions about the behaviour among experts”. … Really!! Marilyn (Geelong)
A: It's the generation who were never taught grammar in school. (And I do like the image of "experts" beaching themselves on the WA coast!)
Q: Cathy (Eugowra) offers, for National Poetry Month:
And an answer came directed in a writing unexpected
And I think the same was written in a thumbnail dipped in tar
‘‘Twas his shearing mate who wrote it and verbatim I will quote it
Clancy’s gone to Queensland droving and we don’t know where he are.
A: Too much Banjo Paterson is barely enough!
Q: Kel, your article about poets set me wondering why C. J. Dennis is ignored by the Education establishment. Is it his use of slang, or poor spelling? Maybe it would be difficult to insist that students used proper grammar or correct spelling. Oh, that's right, it seems that the trend is to do your own thing. Anyway I think all students of English should have to study " The Mooch O' Life ", firstly to understand the sentiment, then as an exercise to translate into the prose of today's language. I do believe that we would all be in a better world if we listened to Dennis' words. Regards. p.s. the bloke's meeting with Doreen should be part of every boys' education. " I dips me lid." Darryl (Bradbury NSW)
A: I suspect that Dennis is out of favour for two reasons. (1) He is proudly Australian, and the current orthodoxy is that we should all be ashamed to be Australian. (2) He celebrates normal life (people who fall in love with a member of the opposite sex, and who go off to WWI to fight for their country). He celebrates none of the things that matter to those in control these days.
Q: There was a man from Calcutta who fell head over heels in the gutter
The tropical sun burnt a hole in his b- - and melted his b- - - to butter
I came home from fourth class and told my mother
I copped a beating my Dad laughed he copped a beating
I will never forget this poem
Gill
A: The Man from Calcutta featured in quite a few limericks too!
Q: Kel, here's a poem I learnt from my father about 65 years ago.
The boy stood on the burning deck
picking his nose like mad
rolling it up in little balls
and flicking it at his dad.
A: The things we remember from childhood!
Q: What is the origin of 'crack of dawn'? Where does cracking come in? Alana.
A: 'Crack of dawn' is recorded from 1887 as an American colloquial expression. One of the meanings of 'crack' is something that happens quickly, and that might be the source.
Q: Hi Kel, So-called academic and political scientist at the University of Sydney, John Keane, has engaged in the Israel-Hamas debate by doxxing his Jewish colleagues. When the university vice chancellor stated that he would not tolerate support for terrorists such as Hamas, on campus, Keane said that the origins of the word ’tolerance’ are a ‘form of colonialism.’ Could you please enlighten us as to the origins of ‘tolerance?' Cheers, Adam
A: The verb 'to tolerate' came into English in the 1500s from a Latin source tolerāre meaning 'to bear, to endure, to put with.' The intolerant are those who will not put with anyone who disagrees with them. And 'tolerance' is not agreement -- it is 'bearing with, putting up with' those who hold and express views disagree with. Civilisation depends on such tolerance.
Q: For National Poetry Month Barry recommends "Said Hanrahan" by John O'Brien.
A: Yes, a great choice. It's one of many bush ballads to come from the pen of Catholic priest Patrick Hartigan -- who served in bush parishes and knew the bush well.
Q: Where did “cock and bull” come from? Regards, Peter
A: The experts note a French expression, coq-à-l’âne, which appears these days in phrases such as passer du coq à l’âne, literally to go from the cock to the ass, but figuratively to jump from one subject to another (in older French, to tell a satirical story or an incoherent one). This meaning is said to have come about through a satirical poem of 1531 by Clément Marot with the title Epistre du Coq en l’Asne (the epistle of the cock to the donkey), though the phrase itself is two centuries older. Coq-à-l’âne was taken into Scots in the early seventeenth century as cockalane, a satire or a disconnected or rambling story. The suggestion is that some similar story once existed in English, akin to one of Aesop’s fables, in which a cock communicated with a bull rather than a donkey. Nobody, however, has been able to discover what it might have been. Another idea is that the French phrase was borrowed in partial translation with donkey changed to bull for some reason.
Q: Poetry Month, thank you Kel! I like Alexander Pope’s definition of poetry … “Oft was thought but ne’er so well express’d”... "the best poet makes memorable lines out of what everybody already knows”. Also my high school English teacher’s line commenting on my slow progress … “a barnacle on the ship of progress." Steve, Burraneer NSW.
A: Clearly your high school teacher was also something of a poet!
Q: Hi Kel, not sure if you’ve covered this or not, but where does the saying “For Pete’s sake” originate from? I thoroughly enjoy your segment each week on Credlin. Peta, like me grew up in the Mallee district of Victoria and were, in fact born in the same town. Kind regards, Maggie
A: The 'Pete' in question is St Peter. The phrase is a softened blaspheme -- instead of saying 'For God's sake' they softened it to 'For Pete's sake.'
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