"That's a great deal to make one word mean," Alice said in a thoughtful tone. "When I make a word do a lot of work like that," said Humpty Dumpty, "I always pay it extra."

Thursday 22 March 2012

Apotropaic

   
Apotropaic is an adjective meaning 'supposedly having the power to avert evil influences or bad luck.'

Crossing fingers is therefore an apotropaic hand gesture.

1 comment:

  1. That's one interesting word! I would have never been able to guess what it means without your explanation.

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