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Sunday, March 29, 2020

(Not) Written in the stars

"Nothing to do with us!"
Photo by NASA on Unsplash
I do not for a moment believe in astrology, but our ancestors did, so it is not surprising that the "aster" in "disaster" is derived from the Greek word astron meaning "star". Disasters were literally events thought to be caused by our stars being misaligned.

You might think that it is the same astron showing up in catastrophe.

But no. Catastrophe has nothing to do with stars, not even etymologically.

Catastrophe comes from Latin catastropha, from Greek katastrophē ‘overturning, sudden turn’, from kata- ‘down’ + strophē ‘turning’ (from strephein ‘to turn’).

It was originally (in the 1500s) a theatrical term, designating the final resolution or dénouement of the plot in a play. In a tragedy, this usually involved the death (or "overturning") of the protagonist. It was possible, though, to have happy or comical catastrophes. But because there were many tragedies, the association with an unhappy ending soon took over, so that catastrophe soon came to mean "a disastrous or unhappy conclusion". By the end of the 1700s it acquired its current meaning "a disastrous, usually widespread, event."

A question:  While we are all confined to quarters, how frequently would you like Wordlady updates? Daily (not sure that I could keep that up, to be honest)? Twice a week? Once a week? Please let me know. I want to keep you entertained but I don't want to overwhelm you.




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16 comments:

  1. MarilynMarch 29, 2020 at 10:58 AM

    Once or twice per week would be very generous if you are able - with great thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. rovinskyMarch 29, 2020 at 11:33 AM

    If you're up to sending them once a day, I'd be delighted to read them!

    ReplyDelete
  3. HCBMarch 29, 2020 at 12:09 PM

    I find your Worldlady updates very informative and entertaining.
    Twice a week would be much appreciated during the Covid-19 disaster.
    Thank you very much and stay healthy (and funny)
    Hetty Bolhuis

    ReplyDelete
  4. E.T.March 29, 2020 at 1:43 PM

    Hello,

    As far as I'm concerned, as often as possible (Covid or no Covid).

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownMarch 29, 2020 at 4:49 PM

    Thanks for your posts, Katherine. So interesting and entertaining. Just what we need right now! Twice a week would be great if you can manage.

    ReplyDelete
  6. turtleMarch 30, 2020 at 5:24 AM

    Twice a week would be lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  7. FeldydancerMarch 30, 2020 at 11:06 AM

    I am enjoying the more frequent emails.
    Something to look forward to in my inbox. Twice a week would be wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  8. WordzGuyMarch 30, 2020 at 11:30 AM

    How often? However often you can do them. They're great on any schedule :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Margaret+MarcusMarch 30, 2020 at 11:31 AM

    Thank you, Katherine. I agree that twice a week postings would be welcome additions to my inbox.

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  10. comtokcanadaMarch 30, 2020 at 2:11 PM

    For my part, I will welcome your postings whenever they arrive in my inbox. I find them always entertaining and informative.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jill SingletonMarch 30, 2020 at 3:35 PM

    Always love seeing Wordlady in the inbox, so whenever inspiration strikes is wonderful... twice a week is good too!

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  12. MarkMarch 30, 2020 at 3:44 PM

    I'm with the rest of them. I could manage several each day, but if I have to make do with a couple a week then that's fine.

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownMarch 30, 2020 at 5:34 PM

    As often as you want. Luckily, I get to read more now, and your emails are always brilliant.
    Twice a week is not too much. Even every day or every other day.
    Merci beaucoup

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  14. Toronto Duke Ellington SocietyMarch 31, 2020 at 6:47 AM

    Once or twice a week would be wonderful if you can manage it.

    Keep well and thank you

    ReplyDelete