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Is there a term for that thing where an old-timey word is so close to death’s door that people only ever use it in one specific phrase?
“Apropos of nothing”
I just came across it on the TL and it reminded me of this thing. There are many other words in this precarious situation https://www.twitter.com/dbzbornak/status/1276661461863903232
I just came across it on the TL and it reminded me of this thing. There are many other words in this precarious situation https://www.twitter.com/dbzbornak/status/1276661461863903232
I had to google that but yeah, it seems adjacent. Hmmmm https://www.twitter.com/thewillennium/status/1276661950680711172
That is perfect! If there isn’t a term for this thing, we’ve got one now 
https://www.twitter.com/gemini6ice/status/1276663658177794057
https://www.twitter.com/gemini6ice/status/1276663658177794057
And it’s easier to remember than haphazard Agamemnon or w/e
Oo that could be useful, as idioms are where they most often show up IME. It’s hard think of examples off the top of one’s head
...especially if one has ADHD https://www.twitter.com/NoraReed/status/1276664034696196097
...especially if one has ADHD https://www.twitter.com/NoraReed/status/1276664034696196097
Yes, that’s a good one! https://www.twitter.com/xoloitzcuintle/status/1276665650308505601
That’s true. I feel like that might be its own separate thing, though, because of the English tradition with... decorative Latin https://www.twitter.com/NoraReed/status/1276666322810593280
Aha! We’ve found it! Thank you.
I kinda prefer “vestigial” myself, though. The word is present, but barely used. A fossil is long dead and buried https://www.twitter.com/PLcubed/status/1276666979655528449
I kinda prefer “vestigial” myself, though. The word is present, but barely used. A fossil is long dead and buried https://www.twitter.com/PLcubed/status/1276666979655528449
What circles are you all running in that you hear or use “apropos” all the time??
I only just now—during the course of this thread—realized is not “apropros”
I only just now—during the course of this thread—realized is not “apropros”
Apropos of nothing, go to he’ll autocorrect
That word makes me laugh because I am eternally 12 and interpret it as being about the nether regions https://www.twitter.com/NoraReed/status/1276668814831149056
