DIALECT AND WORD MEANINGS

[Tripps]

I didn't think I'd ever need "epicaracy"again, but I find that the news that NCP (National Car Parks) is going bust has brought on a sudden attack.
No idea why - they have never done me any direct harm - just don't like them.

[Tizer]

Shouldn't it be spelt epicaricacy? That clever google AI says it's: Epicaricacy (pronounced
ep-ih-kar-IK-uh-see). I wonder if languages other than German and English have a word for it. I'll bet they have one in the US White House!

[Tripps]

You're right. I stand corrected. I wondered who would be the first to spot that. © Capt. Mainwairing.

No wonder it has fallen out of use - just too complicated.

[Stanley]

I had to look it up David..... I can see why the news about NCP triggered it off!

[Stanley]

I tripped over this this morning..... 'castoreum'. I looked it up......
Castoreum is a yellowish, musky, and vanilla-scented secretion from the castor sacs of beavers, located near the base of their tail. It is used as a natural flavouring, often labelled as "natural flavouring" in foods (ice cream, candy) and as a fragrance fixative in perfumes. While FDA-approved, its use in food is now rare.

[Tripps]

I came across this phrase recently "Digital Detox" - looks like a good idea. . . .


A digital detox is a planned, temporary break from using electronic devices like smartphones, computers, and social media to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. It involves setting boundaries, such as limiting screen time or going offline completely, to focus on in-person interactions, nature, and self-awareness.

Key Benefits of a Digital Detox
Reduced Stress/Anxiety: Breaks the cycle of "doomscrolling" and constant notifications.
Improved Sleep: Reduces exposure to blue light, allowing the brain to unwind.
Enhanced Focus & Productivity: Boosts energy by removing distractions.
Better Relationships: Increases presence in real-world, in-person interactions.

Tips for a Successful Digital Detox
Start Small: Set specific times, like no phones at the dinner table or during the first hour of waking up.
Designate "No-Phone" Areas: Keep bedrooms and dining areas free of devices.
Use Tools: Activate "Do Not Disturb" or app timers to curb usage.
Replace Screen Time: Engage in hobbies like reading, exercising, or socializing.
Plan a Time Frame: Dedicate a set period, such as a weekend, to go completely off-grid.

When Do You Need One?
Signs you may need a digital detox include feeling stressed or anxious, constantly checking your phone, feeling "FOMO" (fear of missing out) on social media, and experiencing disrupted sleep.

[Stanley]

I don't detect any of the signs I need it David. Perhaps one of the actions constituting digital detox should be ignoring advice that you need it.....

[Stanley]

My recent stupidity with a sharp knife led me to look this up.....
"Finger stall" originates from late Middle English (circa 1425–1475), composed of "finger" and "stall" (from Old English stæl), meaning a protective sheath or "place" for a finger. It historically referred to a thimble or glove finger. The term "stall" in this context implies a fixed position or a protective covering.

[Stanley]

'Mithering' is a word I learned from my mother. How widespread is it? I have always thought of it as Local......

[Cathy]

I use the word Withering sometimes, to describe something that is dying.

[Tripps]

A search for "mither on this site brings up 29 responses, and all you need to know about mithering.
The I is long, and it doesn't rhyme with wither though.

Stop mithering about it. . . .