Wordsmith.Org


A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact  


Home

Today's Word

Yesterday's Word

Archives

FAQ


A.Word.A.Day--Typhoid Mary

Pronunciation: WAV or RealAudio

Typhoid Mary (TIE-foid MAR-ee) noun

A person from whom something undesirable or deadly spreads to those nearby.

[After Mary Mallon, 1870?-1938. American cook and immune carrier of typhoid fever who while moving from job to job infected more than 50 people with the disease. After health officials found her, she was institutionalized for much of the rest of her life.]

"Alternatively, as former drug czar William Bennett has argued, the moderate drug user is an asymptomatic carrier - a Typhoid Mary - spreading misery to others by setting a bad example, even though he feels fine." Sullum, Jacob, What the doctor orders, Reason, 1 Jan 1996.

This week's theme: eponyms.

X-Bonus

Wise sayings often fall on barren ground; but a kind word is never thrown away. -Arthur Helps (1813-1875)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith