"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."

Sunday 27 April 2014

Set



Set (noun) 
The word set has a number of definitions but here is one of its lesser known meanings. 
A set is a block made of stone, such as granite, used to provide a durable road surface.  Unlike cobbles, which are rounded, sets are straight edged and flat.

 Sets in Falkner Street, Liverpool.
 

Monday 14 April 2014

Alexithymia

  

Alexithymia is the inability to describe emotions verbally.  To put it more technically - Alexithymia is a personality construct characterized by the inability to identify and describe emotions in the self. The core characteristics of alexithymia are marked dysfunction in emotional awareness, social attachment, and interpersonal relating. Furthermore, individuals suffering from alexithymia also have difficulty in distinguishing and appreciating the emotions of others, which is thought to lead to unempathic and ineffective emotional responding. Alexithymia is prevalent in approximately 10% of the general population and is known to be comorbid with a number of psychiatric conditions.


Sunday 6 April 2014

Hear, hear!

   I once struggled with whether it was 'Here, here!' or 'Hear, hear!' when someone was shouting their agreement in the Houses of Parliament.   The answer is 'Hear, hear' and there is a good justification for that on this page.