rileyuk.co.uk

can i draw all of your attentions to a new series called "balderdash and pithel" which starts on bbc 2 next monday, which explains the original meanings behind familiar sayings such as 'the full monty' (originated long before any out of work men from newcastle decided to take their clothes off). for instance, did you know 'stiff upper lip' was originally an american saying (that one might not be in the series, i got it from 'made in america' by bill bryson but you get the idea).

possibly only one for language nuts, but it sounds interesting to me

Sounds good to me Fez - i'll be watching (quel surprise?!) :)

I will look out for that one. Also hows about 'Machinations' for the word of the day?

Oh, I like that word, Mike.

Count that as my vote for 'word of the week'.

well, i'm sorry to have bothered drawing anyone's attention to that program, includung my own, i don't think i've ever switched off so soon after the opening credits of something. god that was dull.

I was almost going to watch that. Good thing I forgot.

How about detritus for word of the day? Or enamoured (nice French link there)?

I am afraid that I missed that programme. Sorry about that, luckilly the programme was not much cop. How about spigot?

Don't forget guys...suggestions for WOW need to be useful not to us articulate and eloquent types but to the 14 years olds i have the pleasure of teaching! Much as the word 'detritus' is relevant to them in the applicable sense, i don't think they'd use it in essays!

Depends what they're writing about, surely? What does disturb me is that I can't remember what my vocabulary was like at that stage, but I shall trust in the Claire. And I must avoid silly suggestions, and starting sentences with "and".

mr_e wrote:Depends what they're writing about, surely? What does disturb me is that I can't remember what my vocabulary was like at that stage, but I shall trust in the Claire. And I must avoid silly suggestions, and starting sentences with "and".

and why is that?

I personally don't do 'Word of the Week'. However, I do have to do something much more prescriptive and boring. I have to do ''Thought of the Day'' - Horrendous. No-one cares. No-one listens. Our current thought for the students is ''Resolutions''. The staff's current thought is ''31 days left''.

Anyway Claire, I had a look on the web for you. I don't know if it will be any good to you, seems a bit simple really but it might be useful for bottom sets/year 7. It might not be what you are looking for but I thought I would let you know about it.

http://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/ ... /wordzone/

On my web travels I also found this one people - do not show this to the any kids (some of them are gross) -

http://www.nationallampoon.com/english/defaultpar.asp

It took my computer some time to load but is very good. Put your sound on because it does some good animation and have a look at the word ''telenovela'' and the truly funny (if you're not a feminist) ''Quiddity''.

To resurect this post. My word of the day is obtuse. It really rolls of the tongue well.

I had a suggestion from John the other day - I like thw word resplendent (hope the spelling's correct !!).

Another word that rolls of the tongue !!

french - this also rolls off the tongue, and around it, under it, depends who's mouth it happens to be in :D