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#118019 12/20/03 04:56 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
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wwh Offline OP
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
One of the characters comments on another's "aloofness".
It occurred to me that I had no idea as to the etymology of
"aloof".
Main Entry: 1aloof
Pronunciation: &-'lüf
Function: adverb
Etymology: obsolete aloof to windward, from 1a- + louf, luf luff
Date: circa 1540
: at a distance

Now I can't remember what sailing term "luff" means.


#118020 12/20/03 05:00 PM
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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I believe it's when the sail flaps a bit, not being properly angled to the wind. my father-in-law is a good sailor, but even in my attempts to impress, I am not...



formerly known as etaoin...
#118021 12/22/03 04:45 PM
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dxb Offline
Pooh-Bah
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I always think it's better to be a loof than a lert. Who needs lerts?


#118022 12/22/03 05:46 PM
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wwh Offline OP
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And half a loof is better than none.


#118023 12/22/03 07:46 PM
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Carpal Tunnel
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not to mention half-vast...



formerly known as etaoin...

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