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#101847 04/29/03 12:51 PM
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Carpal Tunnel
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To repeat myself: why on earth? :-)


#101848 04/29/03 01:22 PM
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To repeat myself: why on earth? :-)


Apparently some spell anarak with a 'c', some without, think I prefer it without, but anyway Jackie, here's a definition from the Dictionary of Slang:

anorak: Noun. An often socially inept person, having an obsessive interest in a hobby or subject. Usually has little or no fashion sense, and errs towards eccentricity. Originates from the 'trainspotter' look, of wearing anoraks; spending so much time at the end of station platforms in all weathers necessitates the wearing of such attire. Cf. 'trainspotter'. Derog.


#101849 04/29/03 01:32 PM
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My earliest recollection of the word geek dates back to the 1947 Hollywood movie "Nightmare Alley," in which the chicken-head-biting sideshow attraction described as such was played by Tyrone Power. Strange casting, but it worked.


#101850 04/29/03 04:27 PM
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anorack: noun, an article of clothing, similar to what in US is called a ski jacket, heavy weight, with a hood, and often a collar that zips shut, and covers the chin.

sometimes a Pull over, with a half zipper and center (single) pocktet sometimes with a full front zipper, and two deep pockets. the outside is usually made out of ripstop nylon, or some other wind/weather resistant fabric.
the word is from one of the Northern canadian tribes of indians (cree? eskimo?) and is commonly used in UK--

and as David says, commonly worn by trainspotters, so it has become by association, "nerd cloths".. (just like flood pants and pocket protectors here are symbolic of nerds)


#101851 04/29/03 05:14 PM
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Carpal Tunnel
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Grind! That's it, AnnaS! I've been trying to remember that word for the longest time. Thanks for providing it.


#101852 04/29/03 05:19 PM
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>Grind! That's it, AnnaS!

welcome to the land of the Virtual Cloaking Device (VCD), anchita! <g>


#101853 04/29/03 06:25 PM
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Virtual Cloaking Device

Or either shape-shifting, one.


#101854 04/29/03 06:27 PM
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Rumors of my pre-cloaking have been greatly exaggerated.


#101855 04/29/03 08:28 PM
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Carpal Tunnel
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Oh, sorry 'bout that, anchita. I hadn't read all your pasted synonyms for geek. Didn't mean to cloak you.

But, still, thanks, AnnaS, for emphasizing grind, a very useful word.


#101856 04/29/03 08:31 PM
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..and Jackie, did you enjoy sharing the VCD with anchita?


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