Susan writes to say:
“Hi Kel, I hope that your recovery is going well. I have a question about the term ‘bomb cyclone’ that is being used in relation to a weather event on the east coast. It seems to be a hysterical name used to engender fear. I would like to know what it actually means and whether you think it is an appropriate term to use in the situation.”
Given the wind and rain that has been lashing Sydney, it’s a good question.
And, yes, she’s right that it sounds melodramatic.
The story behind it begins with the word ‘cyclone.’
An English sea captain named Henry Piddington coined the name ‘cyclone’ in 1842—to name windstorms that whirl in a circular motion.
His word came from a bit of ancient Greek meaning ‘the coil of a snake.’
Then in 1948 the adjective ‘bomb’ was added to this in American English.
The idea appears to have been to convey the notion that this is a fast developing, or fast moving, storm system—so fast that it is virtually ‘explosive’ in its impact.
So, yes while this is a very melodramatic expression, it was coined in America, where they seem to be very fond of melodrama.
Since then American weathermen have used the ‘bomb’ adjective more widely.
They are happy to talk about a ‘rain bomb’ or a ‘snow bomb.’
It took rather longer for this to catch on outside of the USA—but it now certainly has.
Our own weather bureau is now happy to use ‘bomb cyclone’ or ‘bombogenesis’ for this type of storm.
Officially ‘bombogenesis’ means a weather phenomenon ‘characterized by a rapid and sustained fall of barometric pressure in the centre of an extratropical cyclonic weather system.’
Our own weather bureau says that ‘bombogenesis’ is a term used by meteorologists to explain 'a large storm system that undergoes rapid transformation over a 24-hour period.’
And that’s what all these expressions are about—how rapidly a severe weather system develops.
These days our own weather boffins seem to have taken a liking to such explosive language—so we can expect to hear more it!
Tonight I will join John Stanley for 'The Word Clinic' on 2GB, 4BC, 2CC and the Nine Radio Network -- right after the 10pm news.
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MEDIA...
BY THE WAY...
The latest edition of Quadrant magazine is now in the newsagents -- including my article on 'Recognizing Racism".
The May-June issue of Australian Geographic is out now (with the tree frog on the cover) -- inside are my two small columns on 'Placenames' and 'Ozwords'.
If you'd like to see my A-Z list of Aussie slang, you'll find it here in the Australian Geographic website -- A-Z list of Aussie slang. Here’s the link: The A-Z of Aussie slang - Australian Geographic
The liveliest part of this website is usually the Q and A page -- be sure to check it out from time to time.
BOOKS:
* My latest book is -- "Defending the Gospel" (second, fully revised, edition). You can find it here: Defending the Gospel – matthiasmedia.com.au
* If you're looking for my recent book "Flash Jim" you'll find it here -- Flash Jim, The astonis
hing story of the convict fraudster who wrote Australia's first dictionary by Kel Richards | 9781460759769 | Booktopia
* You can find all Kel's books currently in print here -- Booktopia Search Results for 'kel richards'. We sell books, hardback, paperback, audio, CDs.
* And also here -- Amazon.com.au : Kel Richards
* And you'll find more here -- Search: 4 results found for "Kel Richards" – matthiasmedia.com.au
* Many of Kel's out of print books can be found at ABE Books -- Kel Richards - AbeBooks explaining words explain the term
