Spanish Word of the Day

The word was originally Arawak word xixén. The assumption is that it is an onomatopoetic name.

The Arawak people are one of the tribes of indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The Arawak people include the Taíno, who occupied the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas (where they were known as Lucayan); The Lucayan (Arawak) were the natives whom Christopher Columbus encountered in 1492 when he first arrived in the Americas. The Spanish described them as a peaceful, primitive people. The Carib people from Venezuela were better known and became the namesake for the Caribbean Sea.

Jejenes are also called No-See-Ums or biting midges.

Quote: Pacomartin

Jejenes are also called No-See-Ums or biting midges.

I got the word from Charlotte's Web, so I tend to think that isn't the word in the original English. I went to the library today to check the English version, but all copies were out. Not to say you're wrong, but it is the fourth opinion I've heard on the matter. Lupe had no idea.

Fecha: 29-10-13
Palabra: Llamativa

Today's SWD means striking/showy.

The assignment for the advanced readers is to compare and contrast it to llamar.

Ejemplo time.

Ginger siempre parece llamativa. = Ginger always looks striking.

Quote: Wizard

The assignment for the advanced readers is to compare and contrast it to llamar.

The words are from the same root word which also gives us "clamor" in English.

The suffix -ive is appended to the perfect passive participle to form an adjective of action. So you've gone from a verb that means "to call" to an adjective that means "to call out".

The verb llamar is used to define llamativo in the DRAE: llamativo, adj. Que llama la atención exageradamente

Quote: Wizard

Ginger siempre parece llamativa. = Ginger always looks striking.

As used, the term applies to things, not to people. Ginger's dress may be "llamativo," but Ginger herself is not.

"Parecer" means "to seem." Looks is translated, in this context, as "se ve" or "es."

Quote: Nareed

As used, the term applies to things, not to people.

Can a spider be llamativa? Charlotte says she isn't:

Quote: La teleraña de Carlota (pg. 42)

Yo no soy llamtiva como algunas, pero no estoy nada mal.

Quote: Wizard

Can a spider be llamativa? Charlotte says she isn't:

Are we going to fight over literary and spoken usage again? Keep in mind style is an important element in literature, where the use of words can be changed for effect.

I'm not as flashy as some, but I'll do.
Yo no soy llamativa como algunas, pero no estoy nada mal.



It sure looks like a girl can be "llamativa".

Quote: Nareed

Are we going to fight over literary and spoken usage again? Keep in mind style is an important element in literature, where the use of words can be changed for effect.

I am a person who appreciates rules and logic. My idea of good poetry begins with "There was an old man from Nantucket."

Fecha: 30-10-13
Palabra: ciénaga

Today's SWD means swamp. Two questions for the advanced readers today.

1. What is the difference between pantano y ciénaga?
2. Compare and contrast ciénaga y ciencia.

Ejemplo time.

Sr. Howell perdió su pelota de golf en la ciénaga. = Mr. Howell lost his golf ball in the swamp.

Quote: Wizard

1. What is the difference between pantano y ciénaga?
2. Compare and contrast ciénaga y ciencia.

1. By word origin "pantano" is from an ancient lake, and "ciénaga" is of more standard etymology from Latin "caenum" dirt, filth, mud, mire
No cognates in English. I don't have any idea of the difference in modern meaning as they seem like perfect synonyms.
2. They are not cognates


EDIT

Forum discussion of pantano y ciénaga

DRAE definitions

ciénaga (De ciénega)
1. f. Lugar o paraje lleno de cieno o pantanoso.

pantanoso, sa.
1. adj. Se dice del terreno donde hay pantanos.
2. adj. Se dice del terreno donde abundan charcos y cenagales.
3. adj. Lleno de inconvenientes, dificultades u obstáculos.

cieno (Del lat. caenum).
1. m. Lodo blando que forma depósito en ríos, y sobre todo en lagunas o en sitios bajos y húmedos.

Quote: Wizard

I am a person who appreciates rules and logic.

And yet you're also a person who uses language. So here's one to drive you to the depths of inasnity: you park on a driveway and drive on a parkway.