Can anyone offer an origin for this word?
Also, is there such a word as combobulate?

This'n has a way of coming back over and over. You could run a Search on "discombobulated" in All Forums with a Date Range of "All posts"

Report back when you're done and we'll chew it up again.

> You could run a Search on "discombobulated" in All Forums with a Date Range of "All posts"
Report back when you're done and we'll chew it up again.



Wow, that wasn't very ruthful of you, F.

Always loved this word! But, somehow, I first learned to pronounce it dis-com-boob-u-late! And did for many years. And I like that way better, so I still use the "incorrect" pronunciation. Really. I mean, you'd have to be a boob to be so disorganized, right? So, see, it makes perfect sense.

(same with hackneyed [hack-need]; I used to pronounce it hack-nyed [as in "eye"]...I still like my way better, but I threw in the towel a ways back on that one)

Blimey! Possibly derived from decomposed? Possible Hindi origin of the 'bob'? I think I'm more dicombobulated than when I started!
Any help in combobulating (?!) these threads?

Brought to you by Merriam-Webster Unabridged
http://Merriam-WebsterUnabridged.com

Main Entry: dis.com.bob.u.late
Pronunciation: "disk&m'b@b(y)&"lAt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -ed/-ing/-s
Etymology: probably alteration of discompose or discomfit
: UPSET, CONFUSE, DISCONCERT <the offensive had discombobulated all the German
defensive arrangements -- A.J.Liebling>
(C) 2002 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated


and if you buy the alteration theory, there's little likelihood of there ever having been a 'combobulate'. of course, we could always backformate it...

ruthful

Way I remember, emanuela came up with something Italian that seemed to have some bearing.

Etymology: probably alteration of discompose or discomfit
Am I right in thinking that you meant decompose?
In that case, combobulate® could almost be another word for reincarnation, only kinda of the mind, into a more comfortable (discomfit) incarnation...
It's probably simpler if it just means - to collect one's thoughts.

discompose v. decompose

W3 says discompose, as quoted; AHD (previously quoted) also says discompose.
don't know where you got decompose..

decompose v be broken down through chemical or bacterial action. decomposition n
(Collins Gem English Dictionary)
Could discompose be an Amererican variant? We've always used decomposed over here in the UK.

discompose, a different word altogether:

1 : to destroy the composure of
2 : to disturb the order of
- dis·com·po·sure /-'pO-zh&r/ noun
synonyms DISCOMPOSE, DISQUIET, DISTURB, PERTURB, AGITATE,
UPSET, FLUSTER mean to destroy capacity for collected thought or
decisive action. DISCOMPOSE implies some degree of loss of
self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress
<discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife>. DISQUIET suggests
loss of sense of security or peace of mind <the disquieting news of
factories closing>. DISTURB implies interference with one's mental
processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption <the
discrepancy in accounts disturbed me>. PERTURB implies deep
disturbance of mind and emotions <perturbed by her husband's
strange behavior>. AGITATE suggests obvious external signs of nervous
or emotional excitement <in his agitated state we could see he was
unable to work>. UPSET implies the disturbance of normal or habitual
functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief <the family's constant
bickering upsets the youngest child>. FLUSTER suggests bewildered
agitation <his declaration of love completely flustered her>.

...or, discombobulate. : )

Oh! Now that you mention discomposure... I stand corrected.

You are right, I found some similarities with
scombussolare - from bussola=compass, to leave the correct way (given by the compass)

Tsuwm, do you have any idea of how long this has been in use? Personally, I link it with Ken Dodd, a Northern (English) stand-up comedian who was very popullar in the 60s and 70s (not with me, he wasn't, but who am I to tell the teeming millions that they are wrong?) but I find it hard to believe that he would actually invent anything!

ca. 1916

Hmmmm. I guess Ken Dodd only looks that old!

I rather like Juan's idea that combobulate could mean "reincarnate". "After three days he was combobulated" has a certain ring to it!

- Pfranz