Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Gryphon's Word of the Day, February 6, 2008

The word of the day for February 6, 2008 is "sternutation" — noun : the act, fact, or noise of sneezing.

Denise said her cubemate Jon had called in this morning to report that he was running a fever. She dissuaded him from coming in, although he whined that—as a contractor, as opposed to a direct employee—he would not be paid for his absence. "You just stay away. I certainly don't want your germs," she told him.

Sometimes it's hard to justify staying at home when we're miserable, especially when the weather is lousy as it is here today. If we're going to be miserable, we might as well be so in company. If we are going to take off work, it ought to be for pleasure—a vacation or a "mental health" day when the weather is warm enough to stick your toes in the dirt or the surf.

Our quote for the day is from Robert Benchley (1889–1945), U.S. writer, humorist. No Poems or Around the World Backwards and Sideways, “Hiccoughing Makes Us Fat,” Harper & Brothers (1932):

     I am pretty sure that, if you will be quite honest, you will admit that a good
     rousing sneeze, one that tears open your collar and throws your hair into your
     eyes, is really one of life’s sensational pleasures.

;^) Jan

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I so agree with Robert Benchley about a good sneeze!  None of those nostril-plugging sneezes for me...which, I fear, will blow off the top of someone's head.

Anonymous said...

Yes nothing like a good old sneeze

Anonymous said...

Sternutation~sneeze~sneeze~sternutation....hmm?
Its easier to say sneeze Jan.   This is the first time I have come across this word.  Is it now archaic?
I never thanked anyone who came to work with a cold...I don't believe in sharing them.
Hugs to you
Jeanie xxxx

Anonymous said...

When my darling niece has a sternutation period  it's a wonder you don't hear her over in the US   Frightens the life out of me !!!  Love Sybil x

Anonymous said...

I swear when my daughter sneezes she sounds like she is blowing a foghorn. Interesting word "sternutation" almost sounds like someone having a rousing hard time not being stern...(Hugs)