A bit of scape-ism
July 1st, 2008 at 06:37am Barry Wood
I received an inquiry on whether “streetscape” is a legitimate word. Yes, it is, but you have to look hard to find it.
I tracked it down in the Addenda section of the unabridged Webster’s Third New International, which means it undoubtedly will be a mainstream entry by the next edition.
The combining form “-scape,” in this sense meaning “a (specified) kind of view or scene,” has so far attached itself to “land,” “city,” “sea” and “water,” to name a few.
It’s not the same one used in “scapegoat” and “escape,” however.
And continuing my tradition of groaner plays on words, an “escape” is also something Superman wears.
Entry Filed under: word origins
4 Comments Add your own
1. Leonardo duh Vinci | July 2nd, 2008 at 6:27 am
I like your explanation of the “scape” scene, but I like “escape” better.
2. Send him to Town | July 2nd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Leonardo…don’t make him the “scape” goat!
3. Leonardo duh Vinci | July 2nd, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Ouch! I may have the wrong English gentleman but wasn’t it Sir
Walter Raleigh who laid down “escape” so the Queen wouldn’t have to step in a pud muddle?
4. Barry Wood | July 4th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Sr Walter Raleigh is the correct guy. The problem is the story is probably a fabrication. Even in Elizabethan times, tales would circulate whether true or not. If it sounded good, it made the rounds.
A quick search of the Internet indicates Raleigh also was not the person who introduced tobacco to England. However, all agree that he was beheaded, a true victim of the political intrigues of the day.
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