The working vocabulary of the average 14-year-old has declined in the last 50 years from 25,000 words to 10,000. Language reflects the depth of our human experience. Because we think in words, are we losing the capacity to say what we feel?
Like, whatever.
While I can’t be sure that boustrophedon wasn’t the ancient equivalent of a modern-day party trick, I can tell you that its style was meant to emulate the pattern of an ox plowing a field, back and forth.
How might you use boustrophedon (boo-struh-FEED-n) in your daily life?
I have no idea.
No, wait, that’s not true …
How about: boost ruh feed ‘n then yer cows’ll be a whole lot better off’n …
Seriously now brown cow, that only helps you remember how to say it.
How about teaching it to a kid—kids get a kick out of writing secret codes to fool their friends.
What’s more, you can say “boustrophedon” while you’re vacuuming the carpet
or mowing the lawn,
and won’t you feel smart ‘n sassy?
Brag if you want to, girlfriend, because now you know a word that most people wouldn’t dare try to define.
Winnie Nielsen says: If I can finally say it correctly! This one is a tongue twister for sure, but so interesting to learn about. Who would have known about this without MJF??
MaryJane says: Thanks Winnie!
This is such a lovely word. I am going to use it when something makes me really mad. It makes a lovely swear word and no one will know what it means.
MaryJane says: Perfect. I’m going to follow your lead.
Winnie Nielsen says: So, so cute!!!!!!!!! What an adorable face!
Terry Steinmetz says: Such an innocent face!
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
Mmmmmmmmm home-made butter!
Homemade butter AND buttermilk! (Can you tell we’re working on my upcoming cow book?)