|
Covaan_Meshuga -> RE: English Language: interesting, fun, and odd stuff about it (7/23/2008 10:50:55 PM)
|
Word: governor
Definition: 1. U.S. state executive: the elected executive of state government in the United States
2. governing official: an appointed or elected official who governs a state, colony, or province for a specific term
3. governing body member: a member of a governing body of an institution
(there are other definitions, but these will do for my purpose)
Etymology (if necessary): 1297, from O.Fr. governer "govern," from L. gubernare "to direct, rule, guide," originally "to steer"; . . . governor (c.1300) is from L. gubernatorem (nom. gubernator) "director, ruler, governor," originally "steersman, pilot." Gubernatorial (1734, chiefly in Amer.Eng.) preserves the L. form.
Why I chose this word: Well, here’s the thing: As you can see, governor came to the English language from such words as gubernatorem, and we still retain that sound in our English word, gubernatorial. This will explain why the person in your state’s governor’s mansion is such a goober. You should have known that before you voted, and now, you know it before you go to the polls this time.
Yes, you may thank me.
You could have figured it out when you first learned the word, gubernatorial. I mean, think about it, and say it out loud with me. “Goober,” “nut,” “orial.” Think about it. “Goober”: well, there are many definitions for this word, not just peanut (which is certainly interesting). Just think about the definitions of the word you have learned or your children have taught you. “Nut”: well, that’s pretty well self explanatory. Orial is much like the word “oriole” – a flashy bird, but it just sings the same ol’ song.
And did you notice that another related word (from Latin) is gubernator. If you are from California, this is particularly enlightening. You thought he was The Terminator, but now, you know the truth. -ator, as a suffix, means “something or somebody that acts in a given way.” Okay – gubernator: someone who acts like a goober!
|
|
|
|