Saturday, August 18, 2012

Weird Words

Gladiolus

I read the etymology: small sword from gladius, Latin for sword.  So named for the shape of the leaves. 

But oh, Pliny, only a man could ascribe this name to such a flower, less weapon than petticoat.

Much better the Old English: gladdon

This bloom certainly put the glad on my day.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

That pink is glorious. Makes me say "Oh..." in that sigh/awe sort of way. :)