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Joined: Sep 2000
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Carpal Tunnel
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OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,788 |
The original plan was that we would travel to the riverside home of my in-laws where my mother-in-law would prepare the turkey and many of the fixings and we would contribute a few minor parts of the meal, e.g. my world-famous pumpkin creme brule. Then she threw her back out and the new plan is that we will leave home at oh-dark-thirty on Thanksgiving Day in order to get to the homestead in time for me to do all of the cooking for the family which will gather later that afternoon. As willing as I am to do this, I drew the line at my mother-in-law's knives and insisted that my sweet bride allow me to take my own. She countered that her mom might be offended but then struck upon what seemed the perfect plan: she will tell her mom that I am an old fuss-budget about knives and insist on having my own.
I understand what she means by "fuss-budget" but what a curious word. One wonders from whence it came.
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
Gee, Father Steve--I looked it up in the dictionary, and there was your picture...
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 96
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 96 |
Pronunciation: fus 'bujit
WordNet Dictionary Definition: [n] thinks about unfortunate things that might happen Synonyms: fusspot, worrier, worrywart See Also: killjoy, party pooper, spoilsport, wet blanket Definition seems *harsh* to me, although "fuss-pot" made me smile. I'd rather think of one's being 'particular' or even ''precise'.
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Joined: Dec 2000
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
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[n] thinks about unfortunate things that might happen
What kind of ditionary gives a verb definition to a noun?
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 96
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 96 |
Good catch! You're so *fussy*!
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,385
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,385 |
re [n] thinks about unfortunate things that might happen - "What kind of ditionary gives a verb definition to a noun?"
[One] assumes "[One who] thinks about unfortunate things that might happen" is implied.
[One] assumes that this is a regular practice employed by this dictionary for some reason.
BTW it is interesting that there is a word for people who are fussy about "pots", namely, "fusspots".
It seems only fair that there should be a word for someone who is fussy about other kitchen utensils, such as knives.
How about telling your mother-in-law you are a "fusscutter" or a "fusscutup", Father Steve?
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,154 |
I have read in very old books the phrase "open your budget" for "spill the beans" or "let the cat out of the bag". Anyone know if the two budgets are related in origin? I've lost the site for looking up phrases and I'm too lazy to search hard enough to find it so I'll just ask.
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Joined: Oct 2001
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veteran
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veteran
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,385 |
I have read in very old books the phrase "open your budget" for "spill the beans"
The only thing I know that's close, Zed, is "Open the kimono".
I can only guess at the meaning of this obviously sexist remark, but I suspect it has more to do with appraising the value of the wares offered than quantifying the resources available to acquire them.
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