Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Wednesday Word: Crapehanger


crapehanger  or crepehanger
(KRAYP-hang-guhr)

noun: A gloomy person; a pessimist.

ETYMOLOGY:
A crapehanger was one who hung up black bands of crape as a symbol of mourning. The word is from English crepe/crape, from French crepe, from Latin crispus (curled or wrinkled). Earliest documented use: 1921.

Am I the only one envisioning thin, French pancakes?

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