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Joined: Feb 2010
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stranger
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stranger
Joined: Feb 2010
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The word "locum" appears in Danish - spelling: lokum - referring to "the (secret) place" and is thus a euphemism for a latrine, especially of the more primitive kind. The word has been in use since the 1740's and probably earlier.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,290 |
lokum
English loo for toilet is probably from the French lieu. The locum tenes mentioned in Garg's etymology has become the lieutenant of today in English.
Ceci n'est pas un seing.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,295 |
I love the Danish word for birthday ; Fuzzeldei (if I remember well) I understand 'dei' must be related to day, but can you tell me if you please what's the fuzzel? Welcome.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,916 Likes: 2 |
Pardon my ignorance, but how does the person who "holds the place" for someone do that? What is the job? And for whom? I've often been confused by the term. Also where does the British "leftenant" come from? "Lef"?
----please, draw me a sheep----
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,290 |
how does the person who "holds the place" for someone do that? What is the job? And for whom? I've often been confused by the term.Taking somebody's place? When is a placeholder a lieutenant? How did Latin officium 'service, kindness, favor; duty' come to mean a room in which work gets done? Though we do have officeholders, too. Latin locus had a plethora of meanings: 'place, spot; seat, lodgings; (in war) post, station'. (See the entry in Lewis & Short.) Also where does the British "leftenant" come from? "Lef"?It's a complicated story, but basically, the pronunciation with f is older. See the entry in the OED1:
Ceci n'est pas un seing.
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2008
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THANKS, GRATEFULLY. It is amazing how just using a word like "office-holder" can clear up the clould of confusion. Lef is older, and seeing the quote, I now understand it, and I appreciate your taking to time to help me out. Merci.
----please, draw me a sheep----
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