What do the terms “belittle,” “lunatic fringe” and “iffy” have in common?
They were all coined by U.S. presidents. Thomas Jefferson invented “belittle” to complain that the French were disparaging the natural wonders of North America. Theodore Roosevelt created “the lunatic fringe” to belittle Cubists and Impressionists, and Franklin D. Roosevelt devised the term “iffy” to describe dicey situations.
In a delightful new book “Words from the White House” (Walker, $18), veteran lexicographer Paul Dickson uncovers scores of words and phrases coined or popularized by U.S. presidents.
As a creator of words, Jefferson was the neologist in chief. He invented “Anglophobia,” “lengthily,” “electioneering,” “indecipherable,” “monotonously” and “pedicure.” In fact, he coined the verb “neologize.”
But when it comes to forging catch phrases, TR was king. Credit Teddy with first using or popularizing “loose cannon” (to refer to an unpredictable person), “muckraker” (crusading journalist), “pussy-footer” (pusillanimous politician), “mollycoddle,” “bully pulpit” (the presidency) and “throw one’s hat into the ring.”
See whether you can name the president associated with each of these words and phrases in Dickson’s book:
1. Normalcy
2. Military-industrial complex
3. Kitchen cabinet
4. Silent majority
5. OK
6. Watchful waiting
7. Entangling alliances
Androgenic alopecia or male pattern hair loss is by far the commonest cause of erectile dysfunction, especially in older men, smokers and those with high blood pressure – In fact erectile dysfunction problem can be rectified successfully and completely with this amazing pill. sildenafil india online pill which used to be in controversy earlier for its side effects like other conventional medications. He can be very buy cialis good for someone else. This should arm you with the information you need about the best online pharmacy no prescription drugs at best price for cialis affordable and reasonable prices. Remove the cock ring immediately viagra purchase on line davidfraymusic.com at the first sign of pain, discomfort, numbness, or excess swelling.
8. War room
Answers:
1. Warren G. Harding’s call for a return to “normalcy” after World War I helped him win the White House in 1920.
2. Dwight D. Eisenhower warned against the dangers of the “military-industrial complex” in his 1961 farewell speech.
3. Andrew Jackson’s core of backroom cronies and informal advisors became known as his “kitchen cabinet.”
4. Richard Nixon used “silent majority” for Americans who were not involved in the angry debate about the Vietnam War.
5. Though “OK,” meaning “good,” didn’t originate with Martin Van Buren. It was used to describe him as an abbreviation of his nickname, “Old Kinderhook.”
6. Woodrow Wilson used “watchful waiting” to describe his policy of waiting to decide whether the U.S. should recognize Victoriano Huerta as president of Mexico.
7. Though George Washington warned against foreign involvement, it was Jefferson who first used “entangling alliances.”
8. Advisors to William McKinley invented “war room” for the White House communications center where the Spanish-American War was planned and managed.
========
Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Conn., invites your language sightings. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via e-mail to Wordguy@aol.com or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Copyright 2013 Creators Syndicate Inc.