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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
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. : )
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 261
enthusiast
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OP
enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 261 |
Oh! Now that you mention discompo sure... I stand corrected.
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 315
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 315 |
You are right, I found some similarities with scombussolare - from bussola=compass, to leave the correct way (given by the compass)
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,204
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,204 |
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!
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
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Joined: Aug 2000
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Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,204 |
Hmmmm. I guess Ken Dodd only looks that old!
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Posts: 1,624
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,624 |
I rather like Juan's idea that combobulate could mean "reincarnate". "After three days he was combobulated" has a certain ring to it!
- Pfranz
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