What is the meaning and origin of ‘whistle-stop tour’?
(KR Natarajan, Coimbatore)
This American expression is mostly used in politics. During an election, a candidate does not usually spend too much time campaigning in small towns. When he visits such places, he makes a short speech, shakes a few hands and moves on. A ‘whistle-stop tour’ is when a candidate puts in a brief appearance in several small towns in a very short period of time.
*Our candidate plans to make several whistle-stop tours this month.
In everyday contexts, the expression means to visit several different places — not necessarily small towns — in a short span of time.
*John and Peter plan to make a whistle-stop tour of India.
In the 18th and 19th centuries in America, most candidates made use of the train to get from one place to another. Whenever a train stopped at a small station, the candidate made a short speech from the train itself and quickly moved on to the next town. Such small stations were called ‘whistle stop’ because trains only stopped there on request.
How is the word ‘virago’ pronounced?
(CV Geetha, Hyderabad)
The ‘i’ in the first syllable is like the ‘i’ in ‘sit’, ‘knit’ and ‘bit’, while the following ‘a’ is like the ‘a’ in ‘bath’, ‘mask’ and ‘dance’. The final syllable sounds like the word ‘go’. The word is pronounced ‘vi-RAA-go’ with the stress on the second syllable. A woman who is ill tempered and rather bossy is usually referred to as a ‘virago’. She is a shrew; someone who shouts and screams a lot.
*How Sanjay fell in love with a virago like Meena is beyond me.
The word comes from the Latin root ‘vir’ meaning ‘man’ or ‘virile’. Virago was first used as a compliment; when you referred to a woman as being a virago, you meant she had great strength and courage.
What is the difference between ‘person’ and ‘personage’?
(Uday Kumar, Pune)
First, let us deal with the pronunciation of ‘personage’. The ‘age’ in the final syllable rhymes with the words ‘fridge’, ‘bridge’ and ‘ridge’. The word is pronounced ‘PER-se-nij’ with the stress on the first syllable. Any individual can be referred to as a ‘person’, but only a few can be called ‘personage’. This word is normally used to refer to someone who is well known and has a social standing.
*Standing at the doorstep was no less a personage than Sachin Tendulkar.
The word can also be used with characters/people one sees in a painting, movie, play, etc.
*Tell me, who are the personages in this famous painting?
‘Personage’ comes from the Latin ‘personaticum’ meaning ‘person of high rank or distinction’.
Is it okay to use ‘rethink’ as a noun?
(Anil Sharma, Kanpur)
Yes, the word ‘rethink’ can be used as a noun as well as a verb. It refers to the act of thinking about something again; when you ‘have a rethink’ about a plan, you reassess it. You may make changes to the original or you may choose to discard the plan altogether.
*The Minister believes that a fundamental rethink on higher education is needed.
*If you ask me, your proposal needs a rethink.
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“It is so simple to be wise. Think of something stupid to say and don’t say it.” — Sam Levenson
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