Wednesday, February 25th, 2009...9:40 am
Learn-A-Word Wednesday: froward \FROH-werd\
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adjective:
not easily managed; contraryThe mule is a froward animal.
c. 1300, Old English fromweard “turned from or away,” from from + -weard. The opposite of toward, it was Latin pervertus in early translations of the Psalms, and also meant “about to depart, departing,” and “doomed to die.”
I like this word, the opposite of toward. But it does sound like you’re drunk and really meant to say “forward.”
Besides the mule being a froward animal, you could say the kindergartener is a froward animal.
(This is what getting ready for school looks like most of the time.)
Or my dog. Or the hubs.
Come to think of it, I am surrounded by froward animals. Are you?
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6 Comments
February 25th, 2009 at 10:22 am
I like that it comes from the Old English word “fromweard.” Is that pronounced “from-weird”? As in “You come from someone weird.” So basically, if you are accusing your kid of being froward, you’re also saying that she comes “from someone (aka YOU) weird.”
I love English!
February 25th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Looks like me trying to put the dog in his crate.
Kerries last blog post..Tastes Like Tahoe
February 25th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
LOVE this word…it’s how I’m feeling as I heal from surgery. Perfect. Thanks for making me laugh
February 26th, 2009 at 8:43 am
brooke, yes, you must always be careful when insulting your own offspring to not implicate yourself!!
kerrie, we have that problem, too, but the kid loves the crate!
kathleen, hope you feel better soon! what do they say, laugh is the best medicine, eh?!
March 3rd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
You know, I’m not surrounded by any Frowards – but I laughed myself silly at that one!
March 3rd, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Thanks, Ann! It helps that you know all the offending froward animals mentioned!
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