ninalanyon · 61-69, T
@DrWatson Really? I always thought tail was cauda. I haven't got my Latin dictionary with me so I can't check but Google Translate says penis (Eng.) = penis (Lat.)
DrWatson · 70-79, M
@ninalanyon "Cauda" was one word for tail, but "penis" is one as well.
And since brushes were made from animal tails, there were related words for brushes of different sizes:
peniculus was a brush
penicillus was a tiny brush, or a writing instrument
I am guessing that this is where we get our words pen and pencil.
"Cauda", on the other hand, was used in the expression "caudam trahere", meaning to wear a tail, with the implication of being a fool. Perhaps that has a connection to "pin the tail on the donkey."
Looking at the two entries in my dictionary, it seems that "cauda" was used with metaphorical implications (foolish) whereas "penis" was the straightforward anatomical term for a tail. On the other hand, "penis" has a secondary definition, "membrum virile". (Which would mean that using that word for the male organ was actually a slang term!)
And this is why I love print dictionaries. They often give more nuance than online translations.
And since brushes were made from animal tails, there were related words for brushes of different sizes:
peniculus was a brush
penicillus was a tiny brush, or a writing instrument
I am guessing that this is where we get our words pen and pencil.
"Cauda", on the other hand, was used in the expression "caudam trahere", meaning to wear a tail, with the implication of being a fool. Perhaps that has a connection to "pin the tail on the donkey."
Looking at the two entries in my dictionary, it seems that "cauda" was used with metaphorical implications (foolish) whereas "penis" was the straightforward anatomical term for a tail. On the other hand, "penis" has a secondary definition, "membrum virile". (Which would mean that using that word for the male organ was actually a slang term!)
And this is why I love print dictionaries. They often give more nuance than online translations.
HijabaDabbaDoo · F
bijouxbroussard · F
@HijabaDabbaDoo That was how folks survived back then.
Crazywaterspring · 61-69, M
Ferric67 · M
I always think of Seinfeld when I hear about uncle Leo...and his eyebrows
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bijouxbroussard · F
Ferric67 · M
@bijouxbroussard yeah, that definitely is earlier than Seinfeld
Captain · 61-69, M
What a bizarre story - needless to say I’ve never heard of that one before. Not the sort of thing they put on the history channel.
Strictmichael75 · 61-69, M
Jayciedubb · 56-60, M
bijouxbroussard · F
@Jayciedubb I don’t get it.
FreddieUK · 70-79, M
It is well known that the only mixed race troop movements took place on Hollywood movie sets. 😕
bijouxbroussard · F
Moreover, the Americans tried to impose segregation rules in England, in the pubs near where the soldiers were stationed and often ended up butting heads with the locals !
FreddieUK · 70-79, M
@bijouxbroussard I knew that bit. There was a very good crime drama series sets during the war called Foyles War which dead to tackle that. The very moral and upright lead character made it very clear that he would not support the local American unit commander in enforcing segregation. That was the first time I realised that it had been an issue over here.