WOTD: pachyderm

pachyderm

Main Entry: pachy·derm
Pronunciation: \ˈpa-ki-ˌdərm\

Function: noun

Etymology: French pachyderme, from Greek pachydermos thick-skinned, from pachys thick + derma skin; akin to Sanskrit bahu dense, much — more at derm-

Date: 1838

: any of various nonruminant mammals (as an elephant, a rhinoceros, or a hippopotamus) of a former group (Pachydermata) that have hooves or nails resembling hooves and usually thick skin; especially : elephant

Why this word for today, you ask?

Today is St. Patrick's Day, and in Savannah, GA, this means that there is a HUGE celebration (2nd largest celebration in the U.S.). Needless to say, there are vendors walking the streets with carts sporting various green and St. Pat's-inspired paraphernalia and trinkets, including a noise-making device that sounds like a small elephant (farting). I shared this thought with a friend/co-worker, Kevin, who introduced me to the word pachyderm when commenting on how nice it is to be above the street level but in a prime parade-viewing location (albeit while at work).

So, happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone! May it be a fun, horn-tooting, exuberant day!!