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.

Main Focus

I was listening to song by Paul Kelly called "I'm on Your Side" recently when I came across these words in the lyrics:

The trees on the shoreline are all fresh from the rain

The ship on the water is heading for the main

I had to ask myself what was this "main" that the ship was heading towards? I'd heard of the Spanish Main but I realised that I didn't know what that was. So Bard to the rescue:

Main often refers to the open sea, as opposed to sheltered bays or harbors. So, when you say "The ship on the water is heading for the main," it means it's leaving the coast and sailing out into the open ocean.

"Spanish Main" refers to a specific historical region encompassing the Caribbean Sea and the coasts of Central and South America, particularly during the era of Spanish colonization and piracy. 

The word "main" has significance for me because my childhood home was located in a street in Milton, Brisbane, called Mayneview Street. The street often ended up being spelled as Mainview Street because it wasn't realised that the street was named after a person whose surname was Mayne. The error was encouraged because the street running parallel to Mayneview Street was Parkview Street. The former surmounted a hill and so did provide what could be considered the main view over the nearby Lang Park as it was then called and later to be renamed Suncorp Stadium.

I asked Bard for information about who this historical character called Mayne might be:

There is a street in Milton, Brisbane Australia, called "Mayneview Street". Do you have any information about the person called "Mayne" after which the street was named?

Unfortunately, pinpointing the exact "Mayne" who inspired Mayneview Street in Milton, Brisbane, proves a bit tricky. While historical records offer several possibilities, conclusive evidence linking a specific individual to the street name remains elusive. Here's what we can uncover:

Potential Candidates:

John Mayne (1800-1864): This John Mayne was a prominent early settler and businessman in Brisbane. He arrived in the colony in 1842 and quickly established himself as a successful merchant and landowner. Mayne owned considerable property in the Milton area, including land near the present-day Mayneview Street. He also served on the Brisbane Town Council and was a Justice of the Peace.

Charles Mayne (1832-1907): Charles Mayne was the son of John Mayne and followed in his father's footsteps as a successful businessman and politician. He served as a member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for several terms and was also Mayor of Brisbane from 1885 to 1888. Charles Mayne also owned property in the Milton area, and some speculate the street might be named after him.

Other Maynes: Several other individuals with the surname Mayne appear in Brisbane's early history, including landholders, farmers, and community figures. While their contributions were significant, their direct connection to Mayneview Street is less documented.

Challenges in Identifying the Exact "Mayne":

Lack of official records: Unfortunately, there's no definitive official record stating the specific individual who inspired the street name. Historical documents often mention the street's existence but don't explicitly state its origin.

Multiple possibilities: With several prominent Maynes in Brisbane's early history, attributing the street name to a single individual becomes challenging. Without concrete evidence, it's difficult to definitively say who deserves the credit.

Despite the ambiguity, Mayneview Street undoubtedly holds a historical connection to the Mayne family's legacy in Brisbane. Their contributions to the city's development, particularly in the Milton area, likely played a role in the street's naming. While the exact "Mayne" may remain a mystery, the street serves as a tangible reminder of their influence on Brisbane's early history.

I asked Bard about the etymology of the word "main" and some examples of its use in compound words.

The word "main" has a rich and interesting etymology, boasting multiple origins depending on its meaning:

1. Direction/Open Sea:

This meaning of "main" traces back to Old English "mān," which simply meant "great" or "large." It likely referred to the vastness of the open sea compared to sheltered bays or harbors.

2. Emphasis/Most Important:

This sense of "main" originates from the Old French "maigne," meaning "strength" or "power." It later evolved into the Middle English "mayne," signifying "greatness" or "importance."

3. Sail/Mast:

This nautical meaning comes from the Middle English "mayne," referring specifically to the "mainsail" or "mainmast." It likely developed from the idea of the mainmast and mainsail being the largest and most important components of a sailing vessel.

Examples of "main" in compound words:

Direction/Open Sea: mainland, main channel, main course (nautical route)

Emphasis/Most Important: mainstay, mainframe, mainshaft, mainstream

Sail/Mast: mainsail, mainmast, mainboom, mainsheet

As you can see, the word "main" has versatile origins and applications, lending itself to various compound words across different domains. Its historical evolution and diverse meanings add a fascinating layer to its usage in contemporary language.

What's particularly interesting is that "main" derives from Middle English "mayne" signifying greatness or importance but originally from Old French "maigne," meaning "strength" or "power." One thinks of Charlemagne or Charles the Great as his name would be rendered in English. Speaking of Charlemagne and the Spanish Main, I happened to notice that there was a region between present day Spain and France that was called the "Spanish March":

The "Spanish March," also known as the Hispanic March, was a historical buffer zone established by Charlemagne, King of the Franks, in the late 8th century. It existed for several centuries and played a significant role in shaping the Iberian Peninsula's history.

Origins and Purpose:

In 778, Charlemagne conquered Septimania, a Visigothic region in southern France bordering the Muslim-ruled Umayyad Caliphate of al-Andalus (Iberian Peninsula).

To defend Frankish territory against Muslim incursions, Charlemagne established the Spanish March along the Pyrenees mountains.

This fortified frontier zone encompassed several counties ruled by Christian lords under Frankish authority.

Characteristics and Development:

The Spanish March consisted of various counties like Barcelona, Girona, Urgell, Pallars, and Ribagorza.

These counties served as military outposts and gradually expanded southward through conquests and assimilation of Muslim borderlands.

Over time, the counties gained increasing autonomy from Frankish rule, developing their own distinct cultures and identities.

Legacy and Impact:

The Spanish March played a crucial role in the Christian Reconquista, the centuries-long struggle to drive out Muslim power from the Iberian Peninsula.

The counties within the March became the nuclei of future Iberian kingdoms, including Catalonia, Aragon, and Navarre.

The cultural and linguistic influences of the Spanish March laid the foundation for the development of Catalan, Aragonese, and other Romance languages in the region.

Therefore, the Spanish March was more than just a border zone; it was a dynamic frontier that facilitated cultural exchange, political evolution, and ultimately, the Christian reconquest of Iberia.

Further resources:

Wikipedia article on the Spanish March: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_March

Britannica article on the Spanish March: https://www.britannica.com/topic/history-of-Spain

History Channel article on the Reconquista: https://www.ncpedia.org/anchor/spain-and-america-reconquest

It's clear that Mayne would be the surname of choice for a family wishing to emphasise its status and importance in a region. In the United States, "Mayne" ranks around 16,000th based on census data and in the United Kingdom, it's estimated to be even more common, falling within the top 5,000 surnames.

While the prefix "re" is the only common one added to the root word "main" to give "remain" (continue as the main element), the following suffixes can be added:

• -stay: Denotes a state of being the main element, e.g., mainstay (a pillar of support)

• -line: Emphasizes centrality or direct relevance, e.* mainline* (the primary course or direction)

• -stream: Refers to the dominant or popular trend, e.g., mainstream (the prevailing current of thought)

• -force: Highlights power or influence, e.g., mainforce (the principal driving force)

• -ship: Denotes a position or role related to the main element, e.g., mainship (the leading vessel in a fleet)

The name "Mayne" crops up is a wide variety of contexts, even on the labels of wine bottles.

One can't end this discussion without mention of the homonym "mane" which has the following etymology, to quote from Bard:

• Origin: Proto-Germanic mano "neck hair of a horse"

• Evolution: Old English manu, Middle English mane

• Meaning: The long hair growing on the neck and head of some mammals, especially horses and lions.

Of course in Indonesian, "main" means "to play" and is pronounced like the English word "mine". Here is its etymology:

• Origin: Austronesian language family.

• Evolution: Proto-Austronesian ma-en "to do, make, act."

• Development: Over time, the meaning in Malay and related languages like Indonesian specialized to focus on recreational activities, hence "to play."

The Indonesian translation of the word "main", in the sense of important, would be "utama".

Time for an Upgrade

It suddenly just came over me. I want a new computer to replace my aged 2013 Macbook Pro. True, it's had a new lease of life ever since I got the battery replaced in Australia last year and it's also true that I have a Raspberry Pi 400 that's connected to the TV. However, both have their limitations obviously and it would feel nice to not feel so limited for a while. Even if I don't make full use of my new device's capabilities, I have the option and, if I choose wisely, it will be future-proof - at least in terms of my limited future.

What caught my eye was the Minisforum UM780 with an AMD Ryzen CPU in a very small form factor. A reasonable option would be 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1 TB SSD. This configuration is more than adequate.

It's not available as yet but will be by the time my birthday comes around. The portability of such a device is very appealing and, while it can be plugged into a TV or monitor, I stumbled upon another option this evening: a portable 4K monitor with USB type-C input (which the Minisforum UM780 accepts).

This struck me as the perfect solution. The monitor can even power the computer if needed. I can still plug my device into a larger monitor if one comes my way but this portable monitor and portable PC seems ideal. No more worrying about laptop battery life, all that's needed is a power supply. Most of my time is spent at home anyway so a laptop is not really needed but I have the portability of a laptop with this monitor-PC combination. I'm excited! The monitor retails for Rp5.175.000 and will be available sometime in January.

Oche

 

 
Figure 1: a recent finish to my daily
Round the World dart game

Interest is darts has increased dramatically following the exploits of Luke Littler and it was in an article about this young prodigy that I first encountered the word "oche", pronounced as to rhyme with "hockey". According to the from the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is defined as the line in the game of darts behind which a player must stand when throwing.

Naturally I asked Bard for more information:

Can you provide a definition of the word "oche" as well as some information about its etymology and some examples of its use in sentences.

Absolutely! Here's the information you requested about "oche": 

Definition:

Main meaning: The oche (pronounced "OH-kee") is the line in the game of darts behind which a player must stand when throwing. It's essentially the throwing line.

Other, less common meanings: "Oche" can also refer to a similar throwing line in other games, such as quoits. Additionally, it's the name of a small village in South Sudan.

Etymology:

The origin of "oche" is somewhat disputed. Some theories suggest it comes from:

Old English: The word "hocken," which meant "to spit." This theory claims the throwing line length was based on how far someone could spit from a certain position.

Turkish: The word "ok," which means "arrow" or "dart."

Archery term: The word "ock" or "nock," referring to the notch on an arrow shaft.

Examples of its use in sentences:

"The throw wasn't valid because the player stepped over the oche."

"She practiced for hours, perfecting her throws from different distances behind the oche."

"The tournament rules stipulate that the oche must be 7 feet 9¼ inches from the dartboard."

(Metaphorically) "He stood on the oche of uncertainty, unsure which path to take next."

Bonus fact: The diagonal distance from the bull's eye on a dartboard to the oche is exactly 9 feet 7 3⁄8 inches. This precise measurement is important for ensuring fair play in competitions.

Figure 2 shows the dart board distances for competitive darts: 

Figure 2: source

The angle formed by the horizontal and the line from the oche to the bullseye is about 36°07'40". Figure 1 shows a recent finish to my daily Round the World game of darts. I've downloaded a counter to my iPhone that I can use to keep track of how many throws I take to finish a game. This will give me a target to aim for and allow me to amass some statistics. In my variation of Round the World, I proceed from 1 to 20 and then finish with a dart in either the red of the bullseye or the green ring.

Always Room For Improvement

While my vocabulary is fairly extensive, there's always room for improvement. I discovered that when trying my hand at a Merriam-Webster quiz where I flunked demurred and epistolary. In my defense, I should say that I was distracted by the real answer: composed of letters. I took this to mean letters of the alphabet and dismissed it. See Figure 1.

Figure 1

Demur I should have got and it quite common. My choice turned out to be the exact opposite of the correct answer. See Figure 2.

Figure 2

I ended up with 18/20 which was disappointing given that the words in the quiz were not uncommon or difficult. It prompted to consider that I should spend a little more time undertaking quizzes like this. I like played Wordle each day but that's often the only verbal challenge that confronts me on any given day. I need more challenges to keep me sharp.

Here is what Google's Bard had to say about the word "demur", not to confused with "demure":

"Demur" certainly packs a punch with its subtle shades of meaning! Here's a dive into its origin and usage:

Origin:

"Demur" comes from the Old French "demeurer," meaning "to remain, stay, linger."

It entered Middle English around the 14th century as "demeure," evolving into "demur" by the 16th century.

Meanings:

Verb:

To object; disagree with something, often mildly or hesitantly. (e.g., "I demurred at his suggestion to hike in the rain.")

To hesitate; delay or show reluctance. (e.g., "She demurred before accepting the award.")

(Archaic) To linger; stay or remain. (e.g., "They demurred at the inn for a few days.")

Noun:

An objection; a statement of disagreement. (e.g., "The judge overruled his demur to the evidence.")

Hesitation; reluctance to act. (e.g., "After much demur, she finally made a decision.")

Common Usage:

"Demur" often appears in formal contexts, such as legal documents, speeches, and academic writing.

It can also be used in everyday conversations, but adds a nuanced air of caution, hesitation, or polite disagreement.

Here are some common examples of its usage:

• "The council demurred at the proposed development plan, citing concerns about traffic congestion."

• "He raised a demur when asked to testify, claiming lack of preparation."

• "After some demur, she agreed to join the project, albeit with reservations."

• "I couldn't help but demur at the price, finding it a bit steep."

Remember, "demur" is a powerful word that conveys more than just simple disagreement. It implies a thoughtful reservation, a cautious pause before voicing an opinion, or a subtle resistance to an idea. Use it wisely to add depth and nuance to your communication!

The very similar word "demure" has the same origins as "demur" but has come to mean something different. Here is what Bard had to say about it.

What is the meaning of the word "demure"? What are its origins and what are some examples of its usage?

Ah, "demure"! It's a word that exudes an aura of quiet modesty and reserved charm. Let's explore its intricacies:

Meaning:

Adjective:

Characterized by shyness, modesty, and reserve.

Conveying an impression of quiet dignity and propriety.

Sometimes indicating a hint of coy playfulness or affected humility.

Noun:

(Rare) A demure person.

Origins:

"Demure" originates from the French word "demeurer," meaning "to remain, stay, linger."

It arrived in Middle English around the 14th century as "demeure," transforming into "demur" by the 16th century.

Over time, "demur" shifted from indicating hesitation or objection to describing a specific personality trait.

Usage:

"Demure" typically describes a person's demeanor, dress, or behavior.

It often evokes images of soft-spoken individuals, elegant attire, and gentle gestures.

Here are some examples of its usage:

• "She wore a demure lavender dress, her eyes downcast and a slight blush on her cheeks."

• "He spoke in a demure tone, avoiding eye contact and fidgeting with his hands."

• "Their demure courtship unfolded with stolen glances and whispered conversations."

• "Despite her demure facade, a mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes."

Additional notes:

"Demure" can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, implying timidity or a lack of assertiveness.

Be mindful of the context and tone when using the word to avoid unintended offense.

"Demure" is a versatile adjective that adds a touch of elegance and subtlety to your writing and descriptions.

I hope this exploration of "demure" inspires you to use it judiciously and appreciate its captivating nuances! Feel free to ask if you have any further questions about its usage or history.

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.