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RE: Words to learn: Recalcitrant
I learned this word as a teenager in the 80's when our Prime Minister got up in Parliament called another countries leader a recalcitrant so and so. It nearly caused a serious diplomatic situation, and the word stayed with me ever since.
That's my geeky anecdote for the day :)
@naquoya Are you from Australia by any chance?
I am indeed.
Awesome. I have relatives there. I found this word in the book "Tracks" by Robyn Davidson (aka the Camel Lady). She has a lot of interesting words in her language, that i haven't heared anywhere else. Was this kind of academic lingo back then? (In the sense of "from a higher educated background")
I couldn't tell you if it was purely academic back then. I could make an assumption based on the character of the Prime Minister who said it (snobby know it all persona) that it may have been the case. It was the first I had heard it, but that's not saying much, having been in a poorer Government High School at the time.
So is this word not in common use elsewhere?
I don't think so. At least i have never heard it anywhere else before. It's like the word "bamboozling" in India, that seems to be used more by them than anyone else. ;)
Where are you from? My relatives live in Melbourne. They are part of the greek community that was brought / invited after WW 2 to kickstart the economy. Somewhat like the italians in germany.
I'm from Melbourne. Most of my childhood friends were Greek. I lived in a predominantly Greek part of town. There is still a huge Greek population there.
That's so cool. It would be so funny if you know my family over there ;) The world is so small :) Does the surname Kolokythas ring a bell?
It's possible I could have come across that name when I was living in that area. I don't recall. I moved from that area about twenty years ago. Greek culture was everywhere in Melbourne in the 80s. Television shows, plays, etc. Not so much now.
It's a small world.
What a great story, @naquoya! That’s a wonderfully geeky anecdote, that you remember the time and place you learned a word. I can remember where I was when I heard John Lennon died, but a word? Amazing!
See what happens when you release a wild word out into the world? Handle with care when doing these posts.
Yes, you never know what may come of these things! Jayna proceeds with caution.
Looks forward - but with trepidation - for Jayna's next word to be released.