Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Language/2024 July 31
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July 31
editArgelasse
editProvence, it has been said, "smells of argelasse and wild lavender and broom...". Lavender and broom I know, but what is argelasse? Thank you, DuncanHill (talk) 00:18, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- Websearching only finds it as an Italian surname, bar the one story on Wikisource you've doubtless seen. I suspect it's a misprint, but I haven't been able to figure out what for: Angelica seems to fit the context, but is too different.
- The same spelling appears in the story in the collection on Project Gutenberg, but that is Wikisource's source, so no help. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 94.2.67.235 (talk) 01:06, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- Possibly Artemisia (plant). 41.23.55.195 (talk) 05:04, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- I'd go for fr:Ulex parviflorus, "known in Languedoc and Provence under the names of argelàs, argelat or argeràs". However, that name is also given to fr:Genêt épineux (the article gives the occitan form arjelàs). --Wrongfilter (talk) 05:49, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- According to French Wiktionary the plural of Occitan argelàs is argelasses. They go with the genêt épineux meaning. --Antiquary (talk) 09:34, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- This seems to be the answer, especially as épineux is described as noted for its scent, whereas the Ulexes are (in my experience) less obviously scented.
- Curious that Onions chose to use a name presumably unfamiliar to most English readers, when he could have used broom with reasonable accuracy, though perhaps I underestimate the Victorians' grasp of botany and Provencal. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 94.2.67.235 (talk) 12:14, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- "smells of broom, wild lavender and broom" would be rather an odd thing to say. "smells of gorse, wild lavender and broom" seems to me to be far more likely. The use and status of Provencal is alluded to in the story. Gorse blossom smells of coconut. DuncanHill (talk) 17:19, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- Yes, my mistake. I meant gorse, but had become confused by all the related plants I was looking up. And I did read the story. (The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 94.2.67.235 (talk) 00:29, 1 August 2024 (UTC)
- Ulex parviflorus created a little while ago. (Curiously, I remember the scent of gorse from Canberra)--Shirt58 (talk) 🦘 02:07, 3 August 2024 (UTC)
- If anyone has a source, perhaps the local names could be added to the English language article (which only uses the Latin binomial)? Alansplodge (talk) 11:07, 3 August 2024 (UTC)
- Ulex parviflorus created a little while ago. (Curiously, I remember the scent of gorse from Canberra)--Shirt58 (talk) 🦘 02:07, 3 August 2024 (UTC)
- Yes, my mistake. I meant gorse, but had become confused by all the related plants I was looking up. And I did read the story. (The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 94.2.67.235 (talk) 00:29, 1 August 2024 (UTC)
- "smells of broom, wild lavender and broom" would be rather an odd thing to say. "smells of gorse, wild lavender and broom" seems to me to be far more likely. The use and status of Provencal is alluded to in the story. Gorse blossom smells of coconut. DuncanHill (talk) 17:19, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- According to French Wiktionary the plural of Occitan argelàs is argelasses. They go with the genêt épineux meaning. --Antiquary (talk) 09:34, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
IRL
editWhy do people use "IRL" even when simply "RL" is more grammatically correct? 120.148.140.163 (talk) 09:30, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- "In real life" is grammatically fine. ←Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots→ 10:34, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- IRL is an established acronym, so a phrasing like "IRL Situation" would likely be more understod than "RL Situation". 惑乱 Wakuran (talk) 11:42, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- See also RAS syndrome for a related situation. Matt Deres (talk) 16:37, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- It's established, and part of the reason it's established is its phonotactics feel natural when spoken. I think in many possible sentences "RL" is just a hair more awkward for the flow of speech. But maybe that's just because I'm less used to hearing it. Remsense诉 15:06, 1 August 2024 (UTC)
- Because it's an idiom. Every language has idioms by the truckload. Card Zero (talk) 14:48, 9 August 2024 (UTC)
Blue Skies
editI have just received a couple of emails from a former MP which he signs "yours faithfully and Blue Skies". What does "Blue Skies" mean in this context? Thank you, DuncanHill (talk) 20:14, 31 July 2024 (UTC)
- It originated in the world of aviation, and means best wishes, have a great day full of clear weather yada yada.
- Be thankful they didn't mention green fields or low-hanging fruit. -- Jack of Oz [pleasantries] 20:56, 31 July 2024 (UTC)