X + anthoderma = XANTHODERMA
xanthoderma xan·tho·der·ma (zān’thə-dûr’mə)
n.
- 1. A yellow coloration of the skin.
- 2. See xanthochromia.
Wouldn’t this be a great way to call someone a coward? It sounds so much more elegant than “you yellow-bellied coward!” This would be a great way to insult someone, like those Shakespearean insults that were popular for awhile. Of course I can’t really picture John Wayne saying “you xanthoderma coward!” or Bruce Willis saying “come back here you xanthoderna x@!nli#”
The important thing here is to use the proper language in the proper setting. I would think medical students could get quite creative with this language, and perhaps art students could too . . .
I have heard it said that the English language is shrinking and I do believe that our literacy comprehension level is lowering. As a writer I want to write to my audience in way that doesn’t frustrate them, but I also want to drop in just enough to push them “up” a bit. This seems to me to be a delicate line to walk, but I believe writers carry that responsibility.
For today, I hope your skin does not appear to have xanthoderma. If it does, perhaps you should go have your liver checked!
I agree that it seems as though the English language is shrinking, at least among the general population. Can't tell you how many times I get funny looks for using "big words". Sad.
I went to school in the English county of Lincolnshire; people from there are known as 'yellowbellies.' Xanthodermabelly adds a certain class to the description, doesn't it?
Great word! I'd love to create a character who could use it, wouldn't you?
Great word…love the John Wayne reference! I'm all for improving America's vocabulary. Keep up the good work, Sheila.
Great idea, the pushing up I mean. Thank you for a great new word too.
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