In linguistics, such linked groups are known as “doublets”, even though more than two borrowings are often involved, such as “clock”, “cloak” and “cloche”, all of which are linked to bells or are bell-shaped.

Susie Dent: ‘English has always evolved by mistake’

It has a no-tip design to keep it stable and has a large, 8-ounce reservoir for the bubble solution. As for the incantations used to mitigate any wrongdoings from ghosts and goblins on this of all nights, they were once known as “nightspells” – special words to protect you at night.

Today’s Hallowe’en is little different: it’s a time when folklore and superstition come together to provide both menace and thrills, as well as painted cheeks puffed with chocolate. A handsome double-decker steamboat named Washington arrived in New Orleans on this day in 1816, after her maiden voyage on the Mississippi. The songs, which cycle through the same variety, are loud enough to hear when you’re sitting closeby, and are at a just-right volume for little ears (there are no volume controls). Susie Dent, long-reigning queen of Countdown’s Dictionary Corner and self-professed word geek, is talking about her precious collection of little black books.

Bubbles for Kids : Target Bubbles for Kids : Target

When she’s not in the studio, or touring theatres, or recording her podcast with Gyles Brandreth, “a lot of my time is spent looking at the virtual pages of the OED, and that’s probably where I’m happiest”. Possibly reduplication derived from the then-used verbs mumble ( “ to mix up ” ) and fubble ( “ to jumble up ” ), or perhaps the slang term fumble ( “ to sexually underperform ” ).He that hath read Seneca or Boethius, is well provided against any ordinary misfortune; and to have by heart the story of Argalus and Parthenia; the dolorous madrigals of old Plangus in the Arcadia; or the history of Pyramus and Thisbe, is a never failing remedy for the mubble-fubbles: For to be acquainted with sadness, besets familiarity, and familiars never kill one another, unless the devil is in them. of bubbles to make play time last longer, it also comes with 3 bubbles wands so multiple kids can play! Encourage your toddler to imitate the grown-ups mowing the lawn with this pretend lawn mower that sends bubbles out the top. The machine works well at producing small bubbles in a timely fashion, but having to refill it multiple times an hour is a bit of a pain.