The Wonderful World Of Words 1/29/17
Because today's word is so interesting, we've elected to include a video!
Today's word is "SABRAGE".
DEFINITION:
Noun
- The act of removing a cork from a bottle using a sabre
ETYMOLOGY/ORIGIN:
It is said that the word, "sabrage", was coined near the time of Napoleon and that he and his officers utilized this dramatic method of opening Champagne after a successful conquest.
PRONUNCIATION:
/səˈbrɑːʒ/
Listen
SYNONYMS:
ANTONYMNS:
SCRABBLE SCORE:
10, although not an official Scrabble word (gasp!)
winesignofindia.wordpress.com
USAGE/EXAMPLES:
A more dramatic method is ‘sabrage,’ invented by impatient cavalry officers who used their sabres to slice open bottles. In fact a table knife will do; remove the cage and metal foil. Find the seam along the neck, and holding the bottle with one hand at a slight upward angle slide the knife smoothly up the seam. As it strikes the rim the bottle top enclosing the cork will fly off.
--Peter May
Wine and Cuisine Magazine
But the most showy ceremony of all must be what is known as sabrage. Dating back to the Napoleonic Wars,this involves decapitating theentire neck and headof the bottle,cork and all,with a sabre.
--GQ Drinks
Mitchell Beazley, 2014
Have you ever attempted SABRAGE? Were you successful? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
Follow me at @wwwords for more uncommon words to add to your ever-expanding lexicon and don't forget to read each daily installment!
Until then, I must bid you adieu!
*unless otherwise noted, all images are in the public domain and/or original