Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Language/2016 November 18

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November 18

Coining of 'vexillology'

Is it really true that the word 'vexillology' did not exist prior to 1958? Really? I'm struggling to accept this. What does the OED have to say about it? -- Jack of Oz ^{[pleasantries]} 10:06, 18 November 2016 (UTC)

Invoking British privilege....British privilege invoked.

The OED has 4 citations, and yes the first is October 1959; the journalist who uses it gives a gloss. The 1961 use refers to it as a word (" Editors Grahl and Smith use ‘vexillology’ and its cognates, vexillologist, vexillological."). The final example, 1970, shows how quickly a word can fill a gap: " In 1965 the first International Congress of Vexillology was held in the Netherlands." How did we describe the study of flags before we had that word? Carbon Caryatid (talk) 10:26, 18 November 2016 (UTC)

I assume that it was considered to be a branch of heraldry. The Flag Institute (no poncey Latin words required) was " formed out of the Flag Section of The Heraldry Society on St George's Day, 23 April 1971". Alansplodge (talk) 11:14, 18 November 2016 (UTC)

"Smith" is Whitney Smith, the person who seems to get the credit for the coinage, and who died only yesterday. I came across this piece of information in his article. -- Jack of Oz ^{[pleasantries]} 11:19, 18 November 2016 (UTC)

For visuals: ngrams of 'vexillology,Vexillology,vexillologist,...'. ---Sluzzelin talk 11:41, 18 November 2016 (UTC)

No ngrams for vexillography or vexilloid. The latter article mentions Smith as coiner of "vexilloid" too. ---Sluzzelin talk 11:47, 18 November 2016 (UTC)

Jack, I'm a little surprised you didn't make some word play about this vexing you. You feeling alright? Matt Deres (talk) 15:35, 19 November 2016 (UTC)

I'm spiffing, but thanks for your concern, Matt. -- Jack of Oz ^{[pleasantries]} 06:48, 20 November 2016 (UTC)

• Well, I'm as surprised by this outcome as I am about "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse" making its debut in The Godfather. Thanks, omnes. -- Jack of Oz ^{[pleasantries]} 23:09, 20 November 2016 (UTC)

Resolved