Gourmand and Gourmet

 I was walking about the neighborhood when I thought about the difference between "gourmand" and "gourmet". I asked Gemini the following questions.

What's the difference between a gourmand and a Gourmet?

While both terms relate to a love of food, there's a key difference in their connotations:

Gourmet refers to a person who is a connoisseur of fine food and drink. They have a refined, discriminating palate and appreciate the artistry and skill of food preparation. A gourmet values the quality, flavor, and presentation of food.

Gourmand refers to a person who loves to eat good food, often in large quantities. Historically, the word had a more negative connotation, closer to "glutton," but its modern usage has softened to mean someone with a hearty appetite for good food and drink. A gourmand might not be as focused on the intricate details as a gourmet, but they are enthusiastic and delight in the experience of eating.

A simple way to remember the difference is: a gourmet appreciates the quality of food, while a gourmand appreciates the quantity (or at least the abundance) of it.

"Gourmet" Veggie Burgers

Could you tell me a little about the etymology of both words? What languages they derived from?

Both gourmet and gourmand are derived from French, but they have different origins and evolved meanings over time.

Gourmet

The word gourmet comes from the Old French word groumet, which originally meant "a wine-taster" or "a wine merchant's servant." It's believed to have roots in a word for a young man or boy, possibly related to the English word "groom." Over time, the meaning shifted from a simple servant to someone who had a discriminating palate for wine. By the 18th century, it had expanded to include a refined taste for food as well.

Gourmand

The word gourmand also comes from Old French, where it meant "glutton." This word's etymology is a bit more uncertain, but it has long been associated with a hearty or excessive appetite. While its meaning in English has softened from "glutton" to someone who enjoys good food in abundance, its historical root still carries a sense of an enthusiastic, large appetite, contrasting with the more refined and connoisseur-like quality of a gourmet.

In essence, the etymology of these words reflects their modern usage: the gourmet's roots lie in a discerning "taster" of fine wine, while the gourmand's roots lie in a more general, and historically less flattering, term for a large eater.

It can also be noted that while "gourmand" only refers to a person, the word "gourmet" can be used to describe food as well such as in the graphic above where an image of "gourmet veggie burgers" is shown. 

Eremition

 I posed the following to Gemini:

Can you produce a report on the word "eremition"? Focus on its etymology, the chronology of its entry into and usage by the English language as well examples of its use historically and currently. Special emphasis should be placed on whether the word is gaining or waning in popularity as judged by the frequency of its use.

Here was its response:

The Emergence of "Eremition": A Report on a Word in the Making

The word "eremition" presents a fascinating case study in language evolution, existing at the fringe of the established English lexicon. While not found in standard dictionaries, its nascent appearance online suggests a new term being coined to fill a perceived semantic gap. This report will delve into the etymological roots from which "eremition" springs, trace the history of its parent word, and analyze its contemporary usage and potential trajectory in the English language.

Etymological Roots: The Solitary "Eremite"

To understand "eremition," one must first look to its clear progenitor: eremite. The term "eremite" entered the English language around the 12th century, derived from the Latin "eremita," which in turn comes from the Greek "erēmitēs" (ἐρημίτης), meaning "a person of the desert." This itself is derived from "erēmia" (ἐρημία), signifying "desert" or "solitude."

An eremite is, therefore, a hermit or a recluse, someone who withdraws from society for religious or contemplative reasons. The adjective form, eremitic, describes the lifestyle or characteristics of a hermit. Historically, the term has been used to refer to the early Christian desert fathers who sought spiritual solace in the wilderness.

Chronology and Historical Usage of "Eremite"

The use of "eremite" in English literature is well-documented, though it has never been a word of common parlance. It often carries a more formal or literary tone than its more common synonym, "hermit." For centuries, "eremite" has been employed by writers and poets to evoke a sense of profound solitude and spiritual devotion.

The Birth of "Eremition": A Modern Coinage

The word eremition does not appear in historical English texts or standard dictionaries. Its emergence appears to be a very recent phenomenon, primarily documented in online articles and blog posts from early 2025. These sources define "eremition" as the act of gradually withdrawing from the lives of others to seek solitude and renewal.

This neologism logically extends the meaning of "eremite." If an eremite is one who lives in solitude, "eremition" becomes the process or act of entering that state. The "-ion" suffix is a common English morpheme used to form nouns denoting an action, process, or state (e.g., "creation," "hibernation").

Popularity: Waning or Waxing?

The parent word, "eremite," has seen a general decline in usage over the centuries, becoming increasingly rare in contemporary English. It is largely confined to historical, theological, or academic contexts.

Conversely, the newly coined "eremition" appears to be in its infancy, with its popularity currently negligible in the broader context of the English language. Its usage is confined to a small number of online platforms where it has been introduced and discussed. However, the very fact that it has been coined and is being used, however limitedly, suggests a perceived need for a word to describe the intentional and gradual withdrawal from social engagement for personal well-being.

The current cultural climate, with its increasing focus on mental health, mindfulness, and the potential for social burnout, may provide fertile ground for "eremition" to take root and grow. The desire for a term that frames solitude not as a negative state of isolation but as a positive, restorative process could drive its adoption.

Examples of "Eremition" in Modern Usage:

Recent online discussions have used "eremition" in contexts such as:

• Describing a conscious decision to reduce social media engagement for mental clarity.

• Explaining a period of reduced social outings to focus on personal projects or self-care.

• Characterizing a natural inclination towards a more solitary lifestyle with age.

Conclusion

"Eremition" is a word on the cusp of existence in the English language. While it currently lacks formal recognition, its logical etymological construction and the contemporary social trends that it encapsulates give it the potential for wider acceptance. Its journey will be a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of language, where new words emerge to name new experiences and perspectives. Whether "eremition" will fade into obscurity or become a recognized term for the modern act of seeking solitude remains to be seen, but its emergence is a noteworthy linguistic event.

Here is the public link: https://g.co/gemini/share/50381af48c91

WordMaster Wizardry

I play a word game on my iPhone called WordMaster and last night I reached the highest score that I've ever achieved in the game. See Figure 1.

Figure 1

I was helped by a phenonomenal point score of 203 for the word BEEFLESS that not only used all seven letters but also fell across a Triple Word Square. This was the highest score that I've ever received for a word. See Figure 2.

Figure 2

I was also aided by another score of 102 for JOUR that also fell on a Triple Word Square. See Figure 3.

Figure 3

There's not much more to say except that I felt I needed to record the accomplishment.

Ouch!

"Ouch" is an oft used word that stands on its own but by adding leading consonants to it, we can make some interesting words. Here are the most common of them.

• Couch: A piece of furniture for sitting or lying on.
• Pouch: A small bag.
• Touch: To come into contact with.
• Grouch: A bad-tempered person.
• Slouch: To sit or stand with a drooping posture.
• Crouch: To lower one's body close to the ground.
• Vouch: To guarantee or affirm.

Of course the odd man out here is "touch" that doesn't rhyme with the other "ouch" words. That's what makes English so difficult to pronounce. Let's look at works associated with this "odd man out".

An old favourite TV series of mine

Single-Word Terms

• Touchy: Sensitive or easily offended.
• Untouched: Not touched or altered; remaining in its original state.
• Retouched: Improved or corrected by making small changes, often referring to images.
• Intouch: In communication or contact with someone.

Phrases

• Touch up: To make small improvements or corrections to something.
• Touch down: To land, especially an aircraft or spacecraft.
• Untouchable: Someone or something that cannot be touched or harmed, often implying great power or importance.

Let's not forget our Indonesian. Here are the same words tranlated into Indonesian:

Single Words

• Touchy: Mudah tersinggung (mudah = easily, tersinggung = offended)
• Untouched: Tidak tersentuh (tidak = not, tersentuh = touched)
• Retouched: Diperbaiki (diperbaiki = improved)
• Intouch: Berhubungan (berhubungan = connected)

Phrases

• Touch up: Memperbaiki sedikit (memperbaiki = improve, sedikit = little)
• Touch down: Mendarat (mendarat = land)
• Untouchable: Tak tersentuh (tak = not, tersentuh = touched)

Playing Possum

The Virginia Opossum

I'd heard the term "playing possum" before when I heard it mentioned in a video that I was watching. However, I wouldn't have been able to provide a clear definition of its meaning if somebody asked me so I consulted Bard.

What is meant by the phrase "playing possum" and how did the term arise?

The phrase "playing possum" means pretending to be dead or unconscious in order to deceive someone, typically a predator or opponent. It's often used metaphorically to describe any situation where someone pretends to be incapacitated or uninterested to gain an advantage.

Origin of the phrase:

The term most likely originated from the behavior of the Virginia opossum. When threatened, these marsupials enter a state of tonic immobility, appearing limp and lifeless, with drool dripping from their mouths and eyes closed. This state can last for several minutes, often fooling predators into thinking they've found a dead animal and abandoning their pursuit.

The first recorded use of the phrase "play possum" appears in an 1835 American newspaper article, referencing the opossum's behavior. Over time, the term gained wider usage and transcended its literal meaning to encompass any situation where someone feigns weakness or disinterest to deceive others.

Examples of using "playing possum":

• The football player pretended to be injured to draw a penalty kick.

• The company played possum during the negotiations, hoping to get a better deal later.

• The cat rolled onto its back and played possum, hoping to lure the unsuspecting toy mouse closer.

In conclusion, "playing possum" is a colorful idiom rooted in the fascinating defensive strategy of the Virginia opossum. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, appearances can be deceiving, and pretending to be weak can actually give you the upper hand.

I then asked Bard the following:

Are there other phrases like "playing possum" that also involve the behaviour of a particular animal?

Absolutely! The animal kingdom offers a treasure trove of fascinating behaviors that have inspired colorful idioms and phrases. Here are some examples like "playing possum" that draw on the unique habits of various creatures:

Feigning Weakness:

• Playing crocodile tears: Pretending to cry to evoke sympathy or manipulate someone, inspired by the crocodile's reputation for shedding fake tears while eating its prey.

• Crawling into one's shell: Retreating from conflict or withdrawing emotionally, referencing the defensive behavior of turtles and snails.

• Putting on a sheep's clothing: Appearing harmless or innocent while harboring hidden intentions, drawing on the contrast between the gentle nature of sheep and the predatory tendencies of wolves in disguise.

Strategic Actions:

• Cunning as a fox: Using cleverness and deceit to achieve one's goals, referencing the fox's reputation for trickery and resourcefulness.

• Busy as a bee: Working with tireless energy and efficiency, inspired by the constant activity of bees in their hives.

• Following one's own scent: Being confident and independent, based on the ability of dogs to track scents and navigate without relying on others.

Unusual Traits:

• Blind as a bat: Lacking awareness or understanding, referencing the nocturnal habits of bats and their reliance on echolocation.

• Stubborn as a mule: Refusing to budge or change one's mind, based on the mule's reputation for being headstrong and independent.

• Changeable as a chameleon: Adapting quickly to new situations or changing one's opinion frequently, inspired by the chameleon's ability to shift its skin color.

These are just a few examples, and the list goes on! From the slyness of a fox to the resilience of an ant, the animal kingdom provides a rich source of metaphors and inspiration for colorful language.

Dead Eye Dick

I asked Bard the following:

Can you provide a list of twenty colloquial expressions that involve the word "dead".

Here is what Bard provided 

• Dead tired: Exhausted beyond measure.

• Dead ringer: An exact duplicate of someone or something.

• Dead serious: Utterly serious, not joking.

• Dead on arrival (DOA): Arriving in a state of being unusable or non-functional.

• Drop dead gorgeous: Exceptionally beautiful or attractive.

• Dead in the water: A failed or hopeless idea or situation.

• Laugh yourself to death: Find something so funny you nearly lose your breath.

• Bored to death: Extremely bored.

• Scared to death: Utterly terrified.

• Worked to death: Overworked and exhausted.

• Freezing to death: Extremely cold.

• Hot as death: Extremely hot.

• Beat dead horses: Discuss or dwell on a topic that is past its prime and no longer productive.

I've never heard the expression "hot as death", instead "hot as hell" is far more common. I asked Bard for a further twenty expressions but several did not involve the word "dead" at all which was odd. However, here are the expressions it provided that did contain the key word:

• Dead as a doornail: Completely lifeless or unresponsive.

• Dead man walking: Someone in imminent danger or about to experience a significant downfall.

• Deadpan humor: Dry, understated humor delivered without emotion.

• A dead loss: Someone or something completely useless or without value.

• Dead wrong: Absolutely mistaken or incorrect.

• Hit a dead end: Reach a point of no progress or advancement.

• Stuck dead in the water: Completely immobilized or unable to proceed.

• Sleep like the dead: Sleep very soundly and uninterrupted.

• A dead-letter deal: An agreement or promise that is no longer valid or enforceable.

• A dead giveaway: Something that makes something else obvious or easily guessed.

• Work oneself to death: To work excessively and exhaust oneself completely.

• Deader than disco: Completely out of date or irrelevant.

• A dead battery: A battery that is completely drained and unusable.

• Dead quiet: Completely silent or devoid of sound.

I had to remind Bard about the term "dead captain" and this was the response:

You're absolutely right! "Dead captain" can also refer to an empty bottle that once contained alcohol, particularly hard liquor like rum, whiskey, or vodka. It plays on the image of a ship's captain, once the powerful leader directing the course, now reduced to an empty vessel himself. This meaning is often used playfully or humorously among friends or in casual settings. It's a clever and evocative metaphor, conveying the finality of an emptied bottle and the potential for good times enjoyed (and perhaps overindulged).

There are many other phrases involving the word "dead" including dead rubber, dead duck, dead head and so on. The adjective "dead" is used widely in the sense of "exactly", "completely" or "absolutely" as in dead centre, dead on, dead wrong, dead against, dead set, dead sure etc.

HUIS-CLOS

I came across the phrase "huis-clos" in a movie review and sought ChatGPT's help to illuminate its meaning:

What does the phrase "huis-clos" mean and can you give some examples of its use.

The phrase "huis-clos" is a French term that translates to "closed doors" in English. It is commonly used to describe a situation or setting where a group of people are confined or locked in together, typically in a confined space or a private setting. It often implies a sense of seclusion, privacy, or intimacy.

"Huis-clos" is also known as the title of a famous play written by Jean-Paul Sartre, titled "Huis Clos" or "No Exit" in English. The play explores existentialist themes and features three characters who are trapped together in a room for eternity. The phrase "hell is other people" is a well-known line from this play, highlighting the tension and psychological dynamics among the characters in their confined space.

In general usage, the term "huis-clos" can be used to describe various scenarios where individuals find themselves in a confined or private setting, often with a sense of intensity, intimacy, or limited external access. For example, it can be used to describe a closed-door meeting, a private conversation behind closed doors, or a group of people stuck together in an isolated location. 

How is the phrase pronounced in English?

In English, the phrase "huis-clos" is typically pronounced as "wee-kloh." Here's a phonetic breakdown:

"huis" is pronounced like "wee" (rhyming with "see").

"clos" is pronounced like "kloh" (rhyming with "mow").

So, when put together, it sounds like "wee-kloh."

Can you give some examples of English language huis-clos movies.

Certainly! "Huis clos" is a French term that translates to "no exit" or "behind closed doors." It refers to a narrative or setting where characters are confined to a specific space or situation, often leading to intense psychological and interpersonal dynamics. While the term originated from Jean-Paul Sartre's play "Huis Clos," here are some examples of English-language films with similar themes: 

"12 Angry Men" (1957) - A group of jurors deliberates in a closed room, exploring issues of justice, prejudice, and human nature. 

"Dogville" (2003) - The film presents a small town where the entire story unfolds on a minimalistic stage, examining themes of power, morality, and societal dynamics.

"The Breakfast Club" (1985) - A group of high school students is stuck in Saturday detention, leading to unexpected connections and revelations. 

"Rope" (1948) - Alfred Hitchcock's film takes place in a single apartment where two friends commit a murder, and the tension escalates as guests arrive for a dinner party. 

"Rear Window" (1954) - Another Hitchcock classic, the film features a wheelchair-bound photographer who suspects his neighbor of murder, observing the events from his apartment window.

These films demonstrate the concept of characters confined to a specific space or situation, where their interactions and conflicts drive the narrative.

Five New Indonesian Words

These five words have emerged from KATLA recently. I asked ChatGPT to define these words and use them in sentences.

Question:

I've come across the following Indonesian words recently. They are "bobol", "jubin", "benak", "rancu" and "belia". Can you define each of these words?

Answer:

Sure, I'd be happy to help define these Indonesian words for you!

"Bobol" is a verb that means "to break into" or "to penetrate". It can be used in various contexts, such as when referring to burglars breaking into a house or hackers breaking into a computer system.

"Jubin" refers to "tiles" or "floor tiles" in Indonesian. It is commonly used when referring to ceramic or porcelain tiles that are used to cover floors, walls, or roofs.

"Benak" is a noun that means "the brain" or "the mind". It can also refer to someone's intelligence or mental capacity.

"Rancu" is an adjective that means "confused" or "unclear". It is used to describe a situation, thought, or idea that is difficult to understand or lacks clarity.

"Belia" is an adjective that means "young" or "youthful". It is often used to describe someone who is in their teenage years or early adulthood, or something that is new or fresh.

Question: 

I've come across the following Indonesian words recently. They are "bobol", "jubin", "benak", "rancu" and "belia". Can you use each word in a sentence with an English translation accompanying it.

Answer: 

Sure, I'd be happy to help you with that. Here are some example sentences using each of the Indonesian words you mentioned, along with their English translations:

Bobol:

Maling berhasil bobol pintu rumah dan mencuri barang berharga. 

(Thief successfully broke into the house and stole valuable items.)

Kami khawatir akan adanya upaya bobol lagi di masa depan. 

(We're worried about the possibility of another break-in attempt in the future.)

Jubin:

Lantai kamar mandi terbuat dari jubin keramik. 

(The bathroom floor is made of ceramic tiles.)

Toko itu menjual berbagai macam jubin untuk dinding dan lantai. 

(The store sells various types of tiles for walls and floors.)

Benak:

Saya harus merenungkan masalah ini dengan benak yang jernih. 

(I need to think about this problem with a clear mind.)

Orang yang cerdas memiliki benak yang tajam dan kritis. 

(Intelligent people have sharp and critical minds.)

Rancu:

Argumentasi yang dia sampaikan sangat rancu dan sulit dipahami. 

(The argument he presented was very confusing and difficult to understand.)

Pikiran saya sedang rancu dan sulit untuk fokus pada tugas yang sedang saya kerjakan. 

(My mind is confused and it's difficult to focus on the task at hand.)

Belia:

Siswa belia itu sangat rajin belajar dan berprestasi di sekolah. 

(The young student is very diligent and excels in school.)

Dalam kebudayaan Jawa, belia dipandang sebagai masa transisi antara masa anak-anak dan dewasa. 

(In Javanese culture, "belia" is seen as a transitional period between childhood and adulthood.)

Wrangler

 

Figure 1

My granddaughter bought two T-shirts last night with the Wrangler logo emblazoned on the front, similar to that shown in Figure 1. I asked her what the word meant and she didn't know. Neither, I realised, did I. I vaguely recalled that the verb "wrangle" meant to haggle over something but what was a wrangler, apart form someone involved in the wrangling process?

Well, other T-shirt designs give the clue. Figure 2 shows the Wrangler logo with the image of a horse beneath it.

Figure 2

As Wikipedia explains:

In North America, a wrangler is someone employed to handle animals professionally, especially horses, but sometimes other types of animals as well. The word "wrangler" is derived from the Low German "wrangeln" meaning "to dispute" or "to wrestle". It was first documented in 1377. Its use as a noun was first recorded in 1547. Its reference to a "person in charge of horses or cattle" or "herder" was first recorded in 1888.

A wrangler is an individual involved in the process of taming, controlling and handling various animals, specifically horses. Traditionally this process involves herding cattle and bringing horses in from the paddock. Wranglers often work for other cowboys or tourists who want to ride on North American ranches. Variations of wrangling include managing herds, dude-wrangling, rodeo and managing horses as a part of stunt work in the film industry. Wranglers are also considered a subcategory of cowboys, being responsible for herding horses rather than cattle. The profession of wrangling has developed over time, as wranglers are educated to perform more activities as the tourism sector has become increasingly important in the employment of wranglers.

Wranglers also handle the horses and other animals during the making of motion pictures. A dude-wrangler is a cowboy or guide that takes non-wranglers and non-cowboys (dudes) on western riding horseback trips.

In the film industry, a wrangler is also one who professionally searches for and/or handles particular products on film and television programs, and music videos, such as custom cars or animals.

So a wrangler is a profession and it's a specifically North American term which is why I wasn't familiar with it. Of course, the name Wrangler has also been given to a type of jeep. See Figure 3.

Figure 3: 2021 Jeep Wrangler

I'll use this opportunity to look at words that rhyme with wrangler, namely:

Figure 4: source

Of these words, only "strangler" and "angler" are common, the others being rarely used nouns from common verbs. For example, the verb "entangle" is an everyday word whereas the noun "entangler" is seldom heard.

A Fertile Site

If I can't sleep, I most often think about patterns amongst words. For example, what are all the monosyllabic words that rhyme with "ush"? Last night, I was thinking about words that have "fusion" as their root. I came up with confusion, transfusion, effusion, diffusion, infusion but I decided to look at what a new site that I discovered yesterday had to say on the matter. As it turned out, a lot! The site is called English - Word Information. The information I was looking for was contained within eight pages with a heading as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

The amount of detail contained on this topic is quite impressive. Let's look at the first two entries:

affuse (verb), affuses; affused; affusing

To pour upon; to sprinkle; such as when using a liquid.

affusion (uh FYOO zhuhn) (s) (noun), affusions (pl)

1. The pouring on of water or another liquid on a person's head, as in the rite of baptism: Lester's young son was having an affusion as a religious celebration that he is a Christian.

2. The pouring of a natural fluid on the body or any of its parts for therapeutic purposes: David was getting a cold affusion by a doctor in order to reduce the temperature of his fever and to calm his nervous condition.

Well, I wasn't aware that affuse and affusion were words and this blog's spell checker flags their presence as errors. Clearly, they are not in the spell checker's database and thus are relatively uncommon. 

One of the interesting features of the site is the use of cartoons to reinforce the meaning of certain words. For example, take the widely used word effusive for which there are three cartoons included. Figure 3 shows one of them:

Figure 3

In the eight pages referred to, there are interesting words to be discovered e.g. futilitarian. The word seems particularly apropos the current chaos that envelops the world.

futilitarian (s) (noun), futilitarians (pl)

A person who is convinced that human desires and actions can not be successfully accomplished. 

futilitarian (adjective), more futilitarian, most futilitarian

Referring to an opinion that human activities and desires are incapable of being achieved and so they are not worth attempting: So far one would think that it is a futilitarian idea that people all over the world can live together in peace. 

futilitarianism (s) (noun), futilitarianisms (pl)

The belief that human endeavors or efforts and aspirations are useless and can not be achieved.

There is an accompanying cartoon. See Figure 4.

Figure 4

So getting back to my "fusion" words, I discovered that in addition to confusion, transfusion, effusion, diffusion and infusion, there is:

• affusion
• autoinfusion
• circumfusion
• hydrodiffusion
• immunodiffusion
• interfusion
• oleoinfusion
• perfusion
• profusion
• refusion
• suffusion
• thermodiffusion
• vividiffussion

I'm familiar with profusion and suffusion but they hadn't sprung to mind earlier. Of course, some of the words are scientific or medical and not common. The spell checker flags circumfusion, oleofusion, thermodiffusion and vividiffusion.

I was led to the site initially by an investigation into words ending in INE that describe animals. A blog that I stumbled upon referred me to the site. There is a unit on words ending in INE, not exclusive to animals, and very informative. See Figure 5.

Figure 5

So overall this is very useful resource for those interested in the English language and those interested in expanding their vocabulary. 

From Blink to Wink: Part 3

 I'm So Tired

I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink, 

I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink. 

I wonder should I get up and fix myself a drink. 

These lines form the first three lines of The Beatles famous song "I'm So Tired" released in November of 1968. It's a fitting introduction to this post because it features three rhyming words: wink, blink and drink and this post is all about rhymes.

In my Part 1 post, I looked at the following words that rhyme with ink:

bink, blink, brink, chink, cinque, clink, dink, drink, fink, gink, hink

In my Part 2 post, I looked at the following words that rhyme with ink:

inc, jink, kink, klink, link, mink, pink, plink, rink, shrink, sink, skink

What remains are: 

slink, spink, stink, swink, sync, think, twink, wink, zinc, zink, zinke

Words in bold are more common and Rhyme Desk provides definitions for these. In Part 3, I'll work through some of the remaining words.

slink: as a verb, this word means to walk or leave quietly, esp. because you do not want to be noticed or are ashamed of something as in "I was so embarrassed that I tried to slink away". In a less negative sense it can mean to move smoothly and quietly with gliding steps, in a stealthy or sensuous manner as in "the fox came slinking through the woods". It can also be used a noun in the sense of a slinking movement or walk as in "she moved with a sensuous slink".

spink: I wasn't aware of this but this word in British English, as a noun, a finch or the sound of a particular bird cry and, as an intransitive verb applied to a finch, it can mean to call, chirp, or make a characteristic sound as in "the chaffinch was spinking in the tree".

The Urban Dictionary gives an altogether different take on the word, namely a person who is part hispanic/part asian, a play off the words "spic" and "chink". 

The surname Spink has an interesting history as described in ancestry. Here are some excerpts:

This English name derivers from Middle English spink ‘chaffinch’ (probably of imitative origin), hence a nickname bestowed on account of some fancied resemblance to the bird. You can see how Spink families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Spink family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Spink families were found in the UK in 1891. In 1891 there were 1,032 Spink families living in Yorkshire. This was about 44% of all the recorded Spink's in the UK. Yorkshire had the highest population of Spink families in 1891. In 1939, General Labourer and Unpaid Domestic Duties were the top reported jobs for men and women in the UK named Spink. 9% of Spink men worked as a General Labourer and 70% of Spink women worked as an Unpaid Domestic Duties. Some less common occupations for Americans named Spink were Motor Driver and Private Means. Between 1949 and 2004, in the United States, Spink life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1949, and highest in 1992. The average life expectancy for Spink in 1949 was 46, and 69 in 2004.

Spink & Son (established 1666) are an auction and collectibles company known principally for their sales of coins, banknotes, stock and bond certificates and medals. They also deal in philatelic items, wine and spirits, and other collectible items.

stink: needless to say such a common word is involved in a wide number of idiomatic expressions (link) including:

• a great fuss or ruckus; a lot of trouble as in "My mom raised a stink when the store refused to accept her return without a receipt" or "There's no need to raise a holy stink about this, Eleanor—we'll figure something out."
  
  
• something scandalous, controversial, or especially unpleasant as in "The stink of his association with the corrupt company continues to follow him to this day".
  
  
• to be especially bad, abhorrent, or inferior in quality as in "Your plan stinks, Tom! There's no way it would work!"
  
  
• to be or seem extremely disreputable, suspicious, or corrupt as in "This deal between the company and the mayor's office stinks, if you ask me. I'd be willing to bet that someone's pocket is being lined".
  
  
• extremely drunk, so drunk that one stinks of alcohol as used in the phrase stinking drunk e.g. "If you're going to keep coming home stinking drunk each night, then you can just find somewhere else to live!"
  
  
• a facial expression of unreserved disgust, contempt, disapproval, distrust, or general ill will when used in the phrase the stink eye e.g. "Jonathan, I will not tolerate getting the stink eye from students during class. If you make that face at me again, you're going to the principal's office!" or "Some guy across the bar has been giving me the stink eye since we came in. It must be something to do with my outfit".

The word has historical dimensions as seen in the phrase "The Great Stink". To quote from Wikipedia:

The Great Stink was an event in Central London in July and August 1858 during which the hot weather exacerbated the smell of untreated human waste and industrial effluent that was present on the banks of the River Thames. The problem had been mounting for some years, with an ageing and inadequate sewer system that emptied directly into the Thames. The miasma from the effluent was thought to transmit contagious diseases, and three outbreaks of cholera before the Great Stink were blamed on the ongoing problems with the river.

The smell, and fears of its possible effects, prompted action from the local and national administrators who had been considering possible solutions for the problem. The authorities accepted a proposal from the civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette to move the effluent eastwards along a series of interconnecting sewers that sloped towards outfalls beyond the metropolitan area. Work on high-, mid- and low-level systems for the new Northern and Southern Outfall Sewers started at the beginning of 1859 and lasted until 1875. To aid the drainage, pumping stations were placed to lift the sewage from lower levels into higher pipes. Two of the more ornate stations, Abbey Mills in Stratford and Crossness on the Erith Marshes, with architectural designs from the consultant engineer, Charles Driver, are listed for protection by English Heritage. Bazalgette's plan introduced the three embankments to London in which the sewers ran—the Victoria, Chelsea and Albert Embankments.

Bazalgette's work ensured that sewage was no longer dumped onto the shores of the Thames and brought an end to the cholera outbreaks; his actions are thought to have saved more lives than the efforts of any other Victorian official. His sewer system operates into the 21st century, servicing a city that has grown to a population of over eight million. The historian Peter Ackroyd argues that Bazalgette should be considered a hero of London.

swink: although archaic now, this word once meant, as a verb, to toil or drudge and, as a noun, toil or drudgery. It is the name of an eponymous digital payment system (link):

It is the name of an eponymous movie made in 2006:

In fact, what I found is that swink is a popular name for companies:

It's also a popular surname:

sync: this is an abbreviated term for synchronisation (British) or synchronization (American) and we talk about things being in or out of sync meaning that they reach the same or related stage at the same time (in sync) or at different times (out of sync) e.g. "He's putting himself forward as a president whose ideas are in sync with a nation demanding change" or "She found that the job was out of sync with her principles, and she had to leave".

In technology circles, the term is widely used to mean connecting two electronic devices so that they both have the latest information or files as in "How do I sync my phone to my computer?"

To lip-sync is a reference to performers who lip-sync songs, meaning that they pretend to be singing them when in fact they are just moving their lips e.g. "They could lip-sync as well as the video stars of the 1980s" or "Actors lip-synch the singing".

think: this most common and basic of words has naturally found its way into a myriad of expressions including:

think tank

think big

think twice

think aloud

overthink

think the world of somebody

blue-sky thinking

think outside the box

think nothing of doing something

think something through

think the sun rises and sets on someone

wishful thinking

think ill of someone

think something over

think on something

think fit to do something

thinking cap

think ahead

think aloud

twink: overwhelmingly, the term nowadays is used as gay slang for a young man in his late teens to early twenties whose traits may include: general physical attractiveness; a slim to average build; and a youthful appearance that may belie an older chronological age. The term seems to have arisen in the 1970s. The Internet is awash with photos of twinks so I won't provide any more here.

wink: we thus arrive at the end of my blink to wink journey, although I still have zinc, zink and zinke to cover. 

It is a from of non-verbal communication that has various meanings depending on the context. Here is somebody's take on the meanings of winks (source):

There is a subtle form of communication we all know about, and some of us have even mastered, but do you really even know where it began or what it actually means? The form of communication we’re speaking of is the wink , a non-verbal communication tool that can be used to deliver or exchange any number of messages.A proper wink usually involves eye contact between at least two individuals. The winker simply closes and opens one eye when he has the attention of the intended recipient, thus delivering a covert and implied message. At some point in our lives, we’ve all been winked at and/or delivered one of our own. Depending on the situation, the context changes with the bat of every eye. Which begs the question, what is the proper use of a wink, and where did it come from?Although the exact origin of the wink is unclear, we’ve dug long and hard to find the true meanings behind this subtle gesture. While you may be aware of all the different messages that can be conveyed by winking, it’s important to note that signals are easily crossed. So let’s take a look at a few of the gesture’s most common connotations, that way you know what you’re getting yourself into should you attempt to master the art of winking.

Hello Signal 

Sometimes when you are not able to wave or offer a verbal hello, a quick wink can do the trick. It’s a simple acknowledgement that you’re aware of another’s presence. In instances where formal salutations are unfeasible, a wink ensures that no one gets a disheartening cold shoulder.

Flirtation Signal 

The flirtatious wink is the most frequently attempted wink, and is therefore the most abused. It’s meaning can range from “I find you pleasing to thine eye.” to “Hey, baby. Let’s get out of here.“ Discretion is of the utmost importance when executing a flirty wink.

Secret Shared Knowledge Signal 

From inside jokes to well-kept secrets, this particular wink is very popular. Ideally, it happens so quickly and discreetly that only those “in the know” pick up on it. The danger is that an unintended recipient might witness the gesture. This could make them feel left out, or suspect they’re the butt of the joke.

J/K Signal 

When a joke goes horribly awry, or slides towards the offensive side of things, this wink helps minimize the damage. People even relay this message via text by using a semicolon and closed parenthesis – ;). It simply means “Haha, totally kidding. Obviously.”

Nervous/Involuntary Twitch 

Involuntary twitching isn’t actually a type of wink, but it is responsible for a large amount of wink faux pas. Ill-timed eyelid spasms are easily misconstrued as flirtatious or salutatious winks. Even worse, they make the blundering blinker look like an unskilled winker.

But on a more serious note, eye twitches could be caused by an underlying neurological condition. See a doctor if you experience prolonged twitching. And if you’d like to learn more about the common causes of eye twitches, check out this recent blog post. The bottom line is that this simple facial expression can signify just about anything, as long as it’s shared amongst two or more people operating on the same winking wavelength.

There are numerous expressions involving wink. These include:

• A nod is as good as a wink to a blind man
• Blink and you'll miss it.
• Forty winks.
• I have not slept one wink.
• In the blink of an eye.
• Nod and a wink.
• Nudge nudge, wink wink
• On the blink. 

zinc: this is the name given to the chemical element of atomic number 30, a silvery-white metal that is a constituent of brass and is used for coating (galvanizing) iron and steel to protect against corrosion. Zinc is an essential mineral that your body does not make on its own. It aids growth, DNA synthesis, immune function and more. Zinc is essential for cell growth and division, immune function, enzyme reactions, DNA synthesis and protein production. Zinc may effectively reduce inflammation, boost immune health, reduce your risk of age-related diseases, speed wound healing and improve acne symptoms. Risk factors for zinc deficiency include insufficient dietary intake, poor absorption, alcoholism, genetic mutations and old age. Zinc occurs naturally in foods like shellfish, meat, poultry and dairy, and is added to other foods, such as breakfast cereals and wheat flour. Zinc toxicity may cause diarrhea, headache, abdominal cramps and reduced immunity. Most people can obtain their daily dose of zinc through diet alone. Source.

Zink: this word is often just a misspelling of zinc but it is also used as a surname. Here is some information about its use in this sense:

Zink derives from Middle High German zinke ‘peak’, acquired either as a topographic name by someone who lived on or near a crag or on a pointed piece of land or as a nickname for a man with a singularly pointed nose. Compare modern German slang Zinken, meaning ‘hooter’. The same word was used to denote the cornet, although the semantic development is not clear, and the surname may sometimes have been metonymic for a player of this instrument. It was not until the 16th century that the metal zinc was discovered and named (apparently from its jagged appearance in the furnace), so this is unlikely to be the origin of the surname.

Zinke: as well as an association to the surname Zink as an alternative spelling, it can also refer to an old wind instrument like a cornet, of wood or horn, with seven finger-holes. It is pronounced tsing′ke.

Here is some detailed information about the musical instrument:

ZINKE or ZINCKE, also called Cornetto or Cornet à Bouquin (Fr.), is one of the oldest instruments known. It consists of a wooden tube, slightly conical, covered with leather, having six holes for the fingers, and one hole for the thumb on the lower side, while the tone is produced through a cup mouthpiece, similar to that of a trump. Its compass consists of a chromatic scale of a few notes more than two octaves. About the 14th and 15th centuries, when wind-bands gradually assumed a definite design, Zinken were most important instruments. Their powerful toned combined well with that of trombones, and bands consisting mainly of these two kinds of instruments were great favourites both at public fêtes and religious ceremonials. Many ancient writers on music mention it in terms of great praise. Artusi says: 'As to its tone, it resembles the brightness of a sunbeam piercing the darkness, when one hears it among the voices in cathedrals, churches, or chapels.' He further mentions two cornetto players at Venice as great artists on their instruments. Mattheson laments their partial disuse as early as 1739, and says: 'The fine Zinken and trombones, which formerly were considered to be of one family, and equally respected by players and composers, are now seemingly banished from our churches, as if they were useless; especially the Zinke, which, in spite of its harshness, is so penetrating,' etc. Source.

Thus we come to the end of the blink to wink three part series. It's been an interesting exercise.