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Unexpected doublets: how “merry”, “bra”, and “pretzel” are related

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Did you know the word “merry” is related to the words “bra” and “pretzel”? Well now you do. A quick rundown of each of these words:

⭐Although these days its pretty localised to the holiday season, “merry” used to be a fairly general word meaning “happy” or “pleasant”. It comes from a Proto-Germanic word which meant “brief”, but also “slow”, and “leisurely”. That final meaning probably took over, and gradually evolved to the meaning we have today.

⭐”Brief” is from the Latin “brevis”, meaning “short” or “brief”. Embrace

⭐”Embrace” comes from an unattested Latin word *imbracchiāre, which literally meant “to take into your arms”.

⭐”Brace” has many meanings today, mostly related to supporting something, but its oldest meaning is as a piece of armour that protects the arm. The word simply comes from the Old French for “arm”.

⭐”bra” actually comes from the same source as “brace”. It is of course short for brassiere, which is from a French word that means “child’s vest”, “lifejacket”, and (now localised to Quebec), “bra”. This is from an Old French word that referred to the padding used inside armour that covered the arms and armpits.

⭐And “pretzel” is borrowed unchanged from the dialectal form of the German “Brezel”. Brezel and pretzel both come from a Latin word which referred to a pastry with a twisted shape reminiscent of folded arms (now called a bracciatello in parts of Italy). Those last 4 words all derive from the Latin word for “arm”, which comes from an Ancient Greek word for the upper arm. This can be further traced to the Ancient Greek word for “short”, linking these 4 words with the related Latin and Germanic words for “short/brief”, and connecting all 6 words as unlikely cousins.

The post Unexpected doublets: how “merry”, “bra”, and “pretzel” are related appeared first on Starkey Comics.

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bluebec
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ameel
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Melbourne, Australia
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The Coastal Street Artist Näutil Breathing Life and Poetry into Blockhaus Walls (15 Photos!)

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Discover Näutil, the versatile street artist who draws inspiration from nature, the sea, and the spirit of freedom.

Growing up near the coast among blockhaus structures, Näutil began his journey in street art at the age of 14. He has since dedicated his life to creating art that moves people both poetically and geographically, leaving a lasting impact on the world around him.

More LEGO!: Repairing the World with LEGO: Jan Vormann’s Dispatchwork Project


Graffiti mural by Näutil of Lego
By näutil in Saint-Pierre-Église, France.

Näutil’s Early Adventures in Graffiti:

Born and raised in a coastal area with numerous blockhaus structures, Näutil found these massive, untouched walls to be the perfect canvas for his creative expressions. Alongside friends, he began to create graffiti on these blockhaus walls, taking pride in their work and always striving for more innovation and beauty. This was the beginning of a journey that would lead him to grow as an artist and explore new avenues of creativity.


Graffiti mural by Näutil of a eye at beach in Siouville-Hague, France.
By Näutil in Siouville-Hague, France.
Graffiti mural by Näutil of a eye at beach in Siouville-Hague, France.
Graffiti mural by Näutil of a eye at beach in Siouville-Hague, France.

Street Art as a Life-Changing Experience:

As Näutil delved deeper into the world of street art, he began to realize that he could make a significant impact on people’s lives through his creations. He discovered that his art had the power to move people, both emotionally and physically, by inspiring them to visit and explore the spaces he transformed. This realization has fueled Näutil’s passion for creating meaningful and poetic art that touches the hearts and minds of those who encounter it.


Graffiti mural by Näutil of a cat at beach in Réthoville, Manche, France.
By Näutil in Réthoville, Manche, France.

Poetry in Motion:

One of Näutil’s favorite anecdotes perfectly encapsulates the magic of his art: while painting a seven-meter-high elephant on a blockhaus, a child inside the structure called out to his father, “Wait dad, I’m inside the elephant, I’m coming!” This heartwarming moment illustrates the power of Näutil’s art to spark the imagination and create a sense of wonder, allowing people of all ages to reconnect with the simple things that bring joy and fulfillment to their lives.


Graffiti mural by Näutil of a bat in Auderville, France
By Näutil in Auderville, France

Näutil’s unique approach to street art has transformed the once-bare blockhaus walls into vibrant, poetic, and engaging landscapes. His work serves as a testament to the transformative power of art, as it continues to inspire, challenge, and captivate those who come across it. Be sure to follow Näutil’s journey as he keeps on creating stunning pieces that touch the souls of people around the world: Näutil’s Website.


By näutil in Cotentin, Peninsula, France.

Graffiti mural by Näutil of a turtle at a beach

Graffiti mural by Näutil of a bird at a beach




Graffiti mural by Näutil of a blue butterfly at a beach

Graffiti mural by Näutil of a blue butterfly.

Graffiti by Näutil based on "The Woman on the Moon", a film by Fritz Lang from 1929.

What do you think about this art by Näutil?

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bluebec
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Melbourne
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Bringing Godzilla to Life: A Giant Artwork on Japan’s Iwayagawachi Dam

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A collage showing two aspects of the "Godzilla in Saga Dam Art Project Powered by Kärcher." On the left, a wide view of the Iwayagawachi Dam in Saga Prefecture, Japan, with a giant reverse graffiti artwork of Godzilla towering over a cityscape. On the right, a close-up of a Kärcher climber using high-pressure cleaning tools to remove moss and dirt, revealing the details of Godzilla’s silhouette. This project combines art and technology to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dam and Godzilla’s 70th birthday.

In December 2024, the Iwayagawachi Dam in Japan turned into a giant canvas for an amazing piece of reverse graffiti featuring Godzilla.

This project, called the “Godzilla in Saga Dam Art Project Powered by Kärcher,” marked two special anniversaries: the dam’s 50th birthday and Godzilla’s 70th birthday.

A team of experts from Kärcher used powerful high-pressure cleaning tools to carefully wash away dirt, moss, and algae from the dam’s surface. By doing this, they created a huge picture of Godzilla towering over a city. The team followed a “paint by numbers” method, where climbers hanging from ropes used laser markers to outline the design before cleaning.

The reverse graffiti technique used on the dam demonstrates how it could be applied to underutilized structures or make large-scale art more accessible and sustainable.

More like this: Street artist LPVDA draws with a grinder on a wooden wall blackened by time


A breathtaking reverse graffiti artwork featuring Godzilla on the Iwayagawachi Dam in Saga Prefecture, Japan. The massive design depicts Godzilla towering over a cityscape, with intricate details of buildings and trees around him. The artwork was created as part of the "Godzilla in Saga Dam Art Project Powered by Kärcher," using high-pressure cleaning techniques to remove dirt and reveal the iconic monster's silhouette on the dam’s concrete surface. Surrounded by lush greenery and water, the dam serves as a striking canvas for this monumental tribute to Godzilla's legacy.

A Kärcher technician observes a climber suspended on the Iwayagawachi Dam in Saga Prefecture, Japan, working on the Godzilla reverse graffiti project. The technician uses surveying equipment to align the design while holding a reference sheet depicting the Godzilla artwork. The climber is cleaning the dam’s surface to reveal parts of the giant Godzilla silhouette. This image highlights the precise planning and teamwork involved in creating this monumental artwork.

Two climbers from Kärcher creating a massive reverse graffiti artwork of Godzilla on the Iwayagawachi Dam in Saga Prefecture, Japan. Equipped with high-pressure cleaning tools, the climbers are suspended by ropes as they carefully remove dirt and moss to reveal the intricate design of Godzilla’s iconic silhouette. The process highlights the innovative technique of using cleaning as an artistic method.

An aerial view of the Iwayagawachi Dam in Saga Prefecture, Japan, showcasing a massive reverse graffiti artwork of Godzilla. The iconic monster is depicted in a dramatic cityscape, with intricate details of buildings and surrounding greenery. The calm reservoir above the dam and lush forested hills add to the striking contrast of the dark artwork on the concrete structure. This monumental creation was part of the "Godzilla in Saga Dam Art Project Powered by Kärcher," blending nature, art, and technology in an unforgettable display.

More like this: Tirezilla: 20 ton Godzilla made from 114 tyres called “Gomura” in Shinshiro, Japan


Want to see more projects like this? Share your favorite examples of creative street art with us!

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bluebec
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How Fábio Gomes Turns Trees into Hair: Stunning Murals in Trindade

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In Trindade, Brazil, artist Fábio Gomes creates beautiful murals that inspire people all over the world.

He mixes his detailed portraits with real trees, making his art feel alive and connected to nature. Fábio says his experience as a construction worker helped him learn how to get proportions just right, which lets him match his paintings perfectly with the surroundings.

Being a street artist in Brazil isn’t easy, with high costs and little support, but Fabio’s art is now famous worldwide for its beauty and meaning. For more by him follow his Instagram!

More Street Art like this: When Street Art meets Nature (37 photo collection)


A stunning mural by Fábio Gomes Trindade in Goiás, Brazil, depicting the face of a young Black girl with a radiant smile, her resting hand supporting her chin. The girl's afro is seamlessly integrated with vibrant, blooming magenta bougainvillea flowers from a nearby tree, creating a breathtaking blend of natural and painted elements. The backdrop features warm orange and yellow tones, enhancing the contrast and warmth of the artwork.

“Although I don’t consider myself a Black activist, I always wanted to portray Black women with their natural beauty in a majestic way. The beauty of Black women always enchanted me, and I work hard to pay a beautiful homage to all Black women,” – Fábio Gomes Trindade



“Being a construction worker helped me to increase my sense of proportion. I used to show my art to my colleague, and they always said ‘Hey Fabio, go for it. You are a natural-born artist.’” – Fábio Gomes Trindade


A beautiful mural by Fábio Gomes Trindade in Goiás, Brazil, portraying a young Black girl with a confident smile, framed by a vibrant green tree that forms her afro. The girl wears a yellow headband and hoop earrings, with pink floral patterns on the wall background. The fusion of natural greenery and painted art creates a harmonious and striking visual.

“Being an artist in Brazil is not easy, and it is even harder for street artists. We don’t have support from investors, and it is not cheap to buy materials to perform those artworks. But I’m confident that my art is going please many people around the world.” – Fábio Gomes Trindade


A captivating mural by Fábio Gomes Trindade in Goiás, Brazil, featuring the portrait of a young Black girl with a thoughtful expression, her finger resting on her lips. Her afro blends beautifully with a cascade of magenta bougainvillea flowers from a tree above. The artwork is enriched with vibrant details, including a sunflower and green leaf in the background, emphasizing the connection between nature and art.

“I am really happy and surprised about the positive reactions to my artwork. This inspires me to keep doing what I love to do and making a living off it,” – Fábio Gomes Trindade


A vibrant mural by Fábio Gomes Trindade in Goiás, Brazil, showcasing a young Black girl with a calm, steady gaze. Her afro is creatively represented by a lush bush of yellow and orange blossoms, blending nature seamlessly with the painted portrait. The turquoise wall background and clear blue sky add a refreshing contrast, making the artwork radiate warmth and vitality.

A stunning mural by Fábio Gomes Trindade in Trindade, Brazil, honoring Rihanna. The artwork features a detailed portrait of Rihanna with her afro seamlessly integrated into the lush greenery of a large tree above. The vibrant background includes blue skies and nature-inspired elements, perfectly blending art and the environment.
Rihanna!

A mural by Fábio Gomes Trindade in Trindade, Brazil, featuring the portrait of a Black woman with a serene expression. Her afro is creatively extended using the lush foliage of a tree above the wall. The vibrant background includes orange and teal hues, blending the artwork harmoniously with its environment.

A vibrant mural by Fábio Gomes Trindade in Trindade, Brazil, featuring a portrait of a young child with braided hair and gentle curls framing their face. The background incorporates vivid tropical elements, such as green leaves and orange shapes, with the afro creatively extended using lush greenery above the wall. The bright colors and intricate details create a lively, harmonious blend of nature and art.


More: 8 Inspiring Sculptures Seamlessly Integrated with Nature


What do you think about street art like this? Would you like to have murals like these where you live?

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bluebec
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An Antelope-Inspired Chair that Warns of Extinction

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This eye-catching Nyala Chair is by Jomo Tariku, an Ethiopian industrial designer based in Virginia.

"Inspired by the shy and elusive mountain antelope from the Bale Mountains of East Africa, the hand-carved armrests and legs of this chair echo the Nyala's distinctive soaring horns and sturdy hind legs," Tariku writes. "Staying true to the non-territorial nature of the Nyala, the chair blends with the design pallet of modern living spaces while maintaining its individuality."

The antelope is in danger of going extinct, as its population has declined from 25,000 down to "around a thousand" over the past several decades.

"To heighten awareness of this decline, we will limit lifetime production to 1,000 - One chair to represent each antelope on the Bale Mountain. A portion of sales will be donated to support research or conservation field work in Bale Mountains National Park."

The Nyala Chair, one of which is part LACMA's permanent collection, is carried by the Wexler Gallery.




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bluebec
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Another chair for bisexuals to sit on incorrectly
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Design for How People Actually Behave: The Stupid Car Tray

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This Stupid Car Tray is something that will never make it into the MoMA, but which will probably make a lot of peoples' lives easier. And some good design thought has been put into it.

It's a simple tray with legs on one end, allowing you to turn your car's passenger seat into a level surface. A tongue on the back slots between the seat and seatback, preventing it from sliding forward. The legs are hollow, allowing you to slide in taller items or the included cupholders. Rubber pads on the bottom prevent it from marring your seat surface. There's a thoughtful little notch on one side to admit a phone charging cable. A strap can be used to hold things in place.

As pedestrian as this object seems, I like it because it considers how people actually use things, as opposed to how manufacturers think we use things. Plenty of people use the passenger seat as a storage locker. If anything it's strange that no auto manufacturer has picked up on this and designed a similar object.



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bluebec
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