Friday, April 26, 2013

A to Z Challenge 2013: W - Widdershins

Widdershins

wid·der·shins [widərˌSHinz] adv. In a direction contrary to the sun's course, considered as unlucky; counterclockwise.

Synonyms: counterclockwise

Etymology: 1510s, chiefly Scottish, originally "contrary to the course of the sun or a clock" (movement in this direction considered unlucky), probably from Middle Low German weddersinnes, literally "against the way" (i.e. "in the opposite direction"), from widersinnen "to go against," from wider "against" (see with) + sinnen "to travel, go," from Old High German sinnen, related to sind "journey" (see send).

And with that, have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

25 comments:

Leigh Caron said...

Sometimes my life seems windershins.

Irishredfox said...

I am finding a situation to say this word today. It has a great sound.

Unknown said...

Great word. I wonder how I could work it into conversation today, too.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I know someone with that word in her blog title.

Anonymous said...

Great word. you too have a wonderful week-end.

Yvonne.

farawayeyes said...

Great word. Unfortunately, I usually am windershins.

Jolie du Pre said...

I learn something new every day!

Dani said...

Oooo, another new one - for me anyways.

Jess said...

Just learned this one from the MG book The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making!

Unknown said...

I've never heard that word before, and I'm Scottish (hangs head in shame)

mshatch said...

I knew this word from my research on magic; there are spells which require one to walk widdershins as part of the spell. Charles deLint also has a book by that name which was very good.

orneryswife said...

I had never heard that word before. I'll try to avoid walking widdershins, although I have to say I have a hard time telling which is clock wise or counter without closing my eyes and visualizing the clock. :P
tm

Sally said...

I have heard the word before but hadn't realised what it meant.

Andrew Leon said...

I don't much like it.

Rhonda Albom said...

Interesting word. BTW - In New Zealand they don't say counterclockwise, but rather anticlockwise.

SC Author said...

I didn't know this one!

LuAnn @ BackPorchervations said...

I first came across the word widdershins from some Wiccan friends, in reference to moving around the circle counter-clockwise, or undoing the old year. Then people turned around and walked clockwise (I forget the word for that) to bring desired things into one's New Year.

Allison said...

Great word to know!

Allison (Geek Banter)

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

This word almost sounds like English slang lol

cleemckenzie said...

Well, this is a new one to me!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

That's quite a word. I wonder if this sentence I made up is done right.

"Oh Widdershins, I forgot my umbrella."

Deniz Bevan said...

I love this word!

Steve MC said...

Well, I'll be widdershinned.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Matthew .. love Widdershins .. I could do with some counter-clockwise time keeping - more hours in the day would be helpful ..!

Great word .. cheers Hilary

Tabitha (Pabkins) said...

I have a book on my shelf with this title! ahhh I think its a Charles de Lint title!