AWAD - papier-mache
Ever metaphor? You do meet them every day, whenever you speak, read, or write. A language is a giant shoebox of metaphors. This box has lead balloons, loose cannons, dirty linen, and more. Help yourself to whatever you like. Yes, you can even cherry-pick.
Some language metaphors are obvious, but many others aren’t. Did you know that a muscle is, literally speaking, a little mouse? That’s because someone thought the movement of a muscle, such as the biceps, resembled a mouse scurrying around.
This week we’ll feature words that are often used metaphorically.
MIXED METAPHOR CONTEST:
Usually, I’d not recommend mixing metaphors, but with a special arrangement with the language directorate we have secured a literary license to share with you. Go ahead, mix things up! It’s valid for a limited time only, so go nuts!
What mixed metaphors can you come up with using one or more words featured this week? The mixier the better!
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Share them below or email us at words@wordsmith.org.
2. Include your location (city, state).
3. Send them by Fri.
Original entries only, not something you read elsewhere.
PRIZES:
Selected entries will receive a signed copy of any of my books or a copy of the game Word Up!
To get you started, here’s a mixed metaphor I came up with:
“You used papier-mache to create this village?” Prince Grigory chewed out his underlings. “Why not something sturdier like cardboard?”
Let a thousand mixed metaphors breed and spread the light!
Today's word is papier-mache, from French paper-mâché (chewed paper). Earliest documented use: 1753.
Learn more about today's word at: wordsmith.org/words/papier-mache.html
AWAD - papier-mache
Ever metaphor? You do meet them every day, whenever you speak, read, or write. A language is a giant shoebox of metaphors. This box has lead balloons, loose cannons, dirty linen, and more. Help yourself to whatever you like. Yes, you can even cherry-pick.
Some language metaphors are obvious, but many others aren’t. Did you know that a muscle is, literally speaking, a little mouse? That’s because someone thought the movement of a muscle, such as the biceps, resembled a mouse scurrying around.
This week we’ll feature words that are often used metaphorically.
MIXED METAPHOR CONTEST:
Usually, I’d not recommend mixing metaphors, but with a special arrangement with the language directorate we have secured a literary license to share with you. Go ahead, mix things up! It’s valid for a limited time only, so go nuts!
What mixed metaphors can you come up with using one or more words featured this week? The mixier the better!
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Share them below or email us at words@wordsmith.org.
2. Include your location (city, state).
3. Send them by Fri.
Original entries only, not something you read elsewhere.
PRIZES:
Selected entries will receive a signed copy of any of my books or a copy of the game Word Up!
To get you started, here’s a mixed metaphor I came up with:
“You used papier-mache to create this village?” Prince Grigory chewed out his underlings. “Why not something sturdier like cardboard?”
Let a thousand mixed metaphors breed and spread the light!
Today's word is papier-mache, from French paper-mâché (chewed paper). Earliest documented use: 1753.
Learn more about today's word at: wordsmith.org/words/papier-mache.html