This Week’s Fun & Fancy Word: Gardyloo!
This Week’s Fun & Fancy Word Is:
It’s a silly, fun-to-say word to be sure! But, if you were an 18th-century Scotsman walking down the street and heard it being hollered, you’d make an abrupt move away from any window you might be passing under. Because what was about to be tossed out that window was definitely not something you’d wanna be covered in for the rest of the day.
Etymology:
Origin of Gardyloo
It comes from the French expression, “Prenez garde a l’eau!” The literal translation means ‘beware of the water.’ But in 18th-century Edinburgh it’s a warning that the person doing the hollering is about to empty their chamber pot out the window.[1]
Find A Caboodle
Of Fun & Fancy Words Here.
Share This Post, Choose a Platform!
Stay in the know about what’s in our ever-growing treasure trove of literary goodness. And, get your free Discover Everything a Book Has to Offer packet.
Related Posts
Annus Mirabilis isn't a magic spell. Though it does invoke something extraordinary. But what remarkable thing does it speak of? Find out here.... Read More
A pyrophile loves a good fire. But does that mean they spend their spare time burning things to the ground? ... Read More
No, it isn’t some kind of cabbage stew. And it doesn’t refer to sabotaging cab drivers. It does, however, have to do with transportation and shipping. Can you guess what it means? ... Read More
This word appears in all sorts of old literature, so for anyone familiar with Greek mythology, this one should be a breeze. Can you guess what it means?... Read More