Book
From Proto Indo European bhago, a beech tree. The beech is an excellent tree for carving one’s initials in, and in ancient times people would make a staff of beech and carve runes into it. Apparantly the practice was common enough that when the Proto-Germans first saw a book, they called it a “beech”. Bhago is also the source of the word beech and buckwheat, because the seeds of buckwheat resemble beech nuts.
Book has an interesting phonosemantics, combining a sudden and powerful onset (”b”) with an open, roomy, relaxed energy (short “u”), all wrapped up in a neat package (”k”). It’s as though the package has enough room for all kinds of feelings and thoughts — sudden, gentle, powerful, and relaxed.
June 5th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Jeff,
Once again, your Word of the Day corresponds with my own. If I could sum up the five most significant things I’ve been experiencing within the last 24 hours — the word Book would be the common denominator.
I’ve been contemplating, spiritually explored the concepts behind the word Bound today… Put it on your list!
: )
For anyone new to this blog who loves words — combined with observing serendipities and synchronicities in every day life — sit back and watch the magic unfurl!
This is some serious super common divine, man.
June 5th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Awesome! Jessa suggested this word some time ago, and last night my wife looked over my to-do list and asked me to do it for her… So I can’t take any credit for the serendipity this time.
Working on another book, are you? (You know I’m already standing in the virtual line for it.) Thinking of binding it this time?
June 6th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Yeah! I love this word!
Thanks so much. This website is great.
I will be curling up with a good bhago today!
June 19th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
[...] I have a confession — I passed on the opportunity to visit your site about five times because of the cryptic name on the link in your public comments on one of my favorite blogs. [...]
June 29th, 2007 at 8:31 am
In my humble opinion, a book depends on the writer itself - the way he or she conveys the story, opinions and ideas are what that matters..
I am a student and wants to know more about the world of anthropology.
June 30th, 2007 at 3:28 am
Certainly, a book’s effectiveness depends on its author, Izwan. The word “book”’s phonosemantics are vague enough to cover all kinds and qualities of books.
I’m afraid I don’t know enough about anthropology to suggest any specific resources.