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:
Sometimes my life seems windershins.
I am finding a situation to say this word today. It has a great sound.
Great word. I wonder how I could work it into conversation today, too.
I know someone with that word in her blog title.
Great word. you too have a wonderful week-end.
Yvonne.
Great word. Unfortunately, I usually am windershins.
I learn something new every day!
Oooo, another new one - for me anyways.
Just learned this one from the MG book The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making!
I've never heard that word before, and I'm Scottish (hangs head in shame)
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.
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
I have heard the word before but hadn't realised what it meant.
I don't much like it.
Interesting word. BTW - In New Zealand they don't say counterclockwise, but rather anticlockwise.
I didn't know this one!
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.
Great word to know!
Allison (Geek Banter)
This word almost sounds like English slang lol
Well, this is a new one to me!
That's quite a word. I wonder if this sentence I made up is done right.
"Oh Widdershins, I forgot my umbrella."
I love this word!
Well, I'll be widdershinned.
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
I have a book on my shelf with this title! ahhh I think its a Charles de Lint title!
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