Be smart! Gain access to thousands of English-derived words
from Latin and Greek sources.
Be smart! Gain access to thousands of English-derived words
from Latin and Greek sources.
Part 2 of 2, 17-33
Sesquipedalia Verba or Sesquipedalians in Action
Etymologically, from Latin sesquipedalis; literally, a foot and a half long, from sesqui- + ped-, pes, foot. Date of origin in English is believed to be from 1656.
1. Having many syllables, long; as in “sesquipedalian terms”. 2. Given to or characterized by the use of long words; “a sesquipedalian political statement”. 3. Long and ponderous; polysyllabic. 4. Measuring or containing a foot and a half; as, a sesquipedalian pygmy; sometimes humorously applied to long words (as in the “Verba Obscura” shown below). 5. Given to the overuse of long words; as with “sesquipedalian political orators”.
A reference to the use of long words; especially when verbal construction utilizing less amplification might represent a more naturally efficacious phraseology, so as a result, we get verba obscura.
“Nancy and Sluggo” comic strip created by Ernie Bushmiller (1905-1982),
March 5, 1962. Copyright by United Features Syndicate.
See if you can determine the meanings of the following sesquipedialian “common proverbs” or sayings before you click on the solutions.
- Verba Obscura #1
A lithoid form, whose onward course
Is shaped by gravitational force,
Can scarce enjoy the consolation
Of bryophytic aggregation.—Hubert Phillips
Translation for Verba Obscura #1 may be found by going to Translation #1. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #2
Of little value his compunctions
Who assumes clavinous functions
When once from circumambient pen,
Is snatched its equine denizen.—Hubert Phillips (with slight revisions)
Translation for Verba Obscura #2 may be found by going to Translation #2. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #3
It’s possible to conduct an equine quadruped to the immediate vicinity of an aqueous liquid, but bibulation cannot be induced by any coercive process.—Anonymous
Translation for Verba Obscura #3 may be found by going to Translation #3. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #4
Subterranean entry port.—Anonymous
Translation for Verba Obscura #4 may be found by going to Translation #4. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #5
A mass of concentrated geolithic or lapitarial material perennially rotating on its axis will not accumulate an accretion of muscus growth.Translation for Verba Obscura #5 may be found by going to Translation #5. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.—A slightly revised rendition of Mr. Aaron Sussman’s obtuse version of a common proverb as seen in Bennett Cerf’s column in This Week Magazine, February 13, 1955. Mr. Sussman wrote: “Are we a nation of dolts?” he inquired angrily. “Must we reduce every thought to a single paragraph of one-syllable words?”
- Verba Obscura #6
A superabundance of talent skilled in the preparation of gastronomic concoctions will impair the quality of a certain potable solution made by immersing a gallinaceous bird in ebullient Adam’s ale.—Written by Mr. Aaron Sussman, 1955 (See #5 above).
Translation for Verba Obscura #6 may be found by going to Translation #6. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #7
Individuals who perforce are constrained to be domiciled in vitreous structures of patent frangibility should on no account employ petrous formations as projectiles.—Written by Mr. Aaron Sussman, 1955 (See #5 above).
Translation for Verba Obscura #7 may be found by going to Translation #7. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #8
That prudent avis that matutinally deserts the coziness of its abode will ensnare a vermiculate creature.—Written by Mr. Aaron Sussman, 1955 (See #5 above).
Translation for Verba Obscura #8 may be found by going to Translation #8. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #9
Everything that coruscates with effulgence is not ipso facto aurous.—Written by Mr. Aaron Sussman, 1955 (See #5 above).
Translation for Verba Obscura #9 may be found by going to Translation #9. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #10
Do not dissipate your competence by hebetudinous prodigality lest you subsequently lament an exiguous inadequacy.—Written by Mr. Aaron Sussman, 1955 (See #5 above).
Translation for Verba Obscura #10 may be found by going to Translation #10. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura 11
An addlepated beetlehead and his specie divaricate with startling prematurity.—Written by Mr. Aaron Sussman, 1955 (See #5 above).
Translation for Verba Obscura #11 may be found by going to Translation #11. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #12
It can be no other than a maleficent horizontally propelled current of gaseous matter whose portentous advent is not the harbinger of a modicum of beneficence.—Written by Mr. Aaron Sussman, 1955 (See #5 above).
Translation for Verba Obscura #12 may be found by going to Translation #12. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #13
One should diligently exercise proper speculation upon that situs that one will eventually tenant if one propels oneself into the aerosphere.—Written by Mr. Aaron Sussman, 1955 [with minor revisions] (See #5 above).
Translation for Verba Obscura #13 may be found by going to Translation #13. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #14
Aberration is the hallmark of homo sapiens while longanimous placability and condonation are the indicia of supramundane omniscience.—Written by Mr. Aaron Sussman, 1955 (See #5 above).
Translation for Verba Obscura #14 may be found by going to Translation #14. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #15
Conducting to the watering place
A quadruped of equine race
Is simple; but he may not care
To practice imbibition there.—Hubert Phillips
Translation for Verba Obscura #15 may be found by going to Translation #15. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #16
When, nimbus-free, Sol marches by
Across the circumambient sky,
To graminiferous meads repair—
Your instant task awaits you there!.—Hubert Phillips
Translation for Verba Obscura #16 may be found by going to Translation #16. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
- Verba Obscura #17
That unit of the avian tribe
Whose movements one can circumscribe
“In manu,” as a pair will rate
Subarboreally situate.—Hubert Phillips
Translation for Verba Obscura #17 may be found by going to Translation #17. Use your browser’s “back” or “return” button to return to this list.
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