EXPLORING THINGS WE DIDN’T KNOW HAD NAMES!

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Have you ever developed a routine that you thought was unique to you? Perhaps you begin your day by counting to 100 before getting out of bed, a quirky practice that not only grounds you but also prepares your mind for the day ahead. Are you familiar with how George Bailey from “It’s a Wonderful Life” would exclaim “hee-haw!” whenever something delightful or heartwarming occurred? This whimsical expression captures the essence of joy, reminding us how such simple acts can connect us emotionally to the characters and narratives we love. You may even have the habit of chewing on a number 2 pencil and hitting that little piece of metal holding the eraser in place, a rhythmic action that can provide comfort during moments of deep thought or concentration.

Many things in life that we believe are unique to each of us are actually common experiences shared among humans; these quirks, habits, and routines resonate across cultures and generations, reminding us of our shared humanity… and they have a name. These phenomena are often referred to as “mundane rituals,” small, intentional practices that bring order and calm to our lives. Today, let’s take the time to showcase and discuss several of these objects and actions that may seem trivial but hold deeper significance in the fabric of our daily existence.

HURKLE-DURKLE

Some mornings (particularly weekends), you may choose to lounge in bed way past the time you would normally rise for the day. The Scottish have a word for this ritual. It’s called Hurkle Durkle and it dates back to the 1800’s, with the term “hurkle” literally meaning to “draw the body together”.

The term recently became popular due to going viral on by Tik-Tok user Kira Kosarin who posted a video to the platform, “Just thought you guys should know that the Scottish have a word for laying around in bed after it’s time to get up, and it’s called hurkle-durkling. I do be hurkling, and I do be durkling and once I’ve hurkled my last durkle in a given morning I will get up, but I’m a big fan of a hurkle-durkle.” (source: ApartmentTherapy)

AGRAFFE

When opening a bottle of champagne, it’s essential to remove the small, cage-like structure, known as the “agraffe,” from the cork before pouring. This device is carefully placed over the cork during secondary fermentation to securely hold it in position under the pressure of carbonization.

ZARF

When you order your favorite hot drink at Starbucks or Scooter’s, the liquid inside is often piping hot. To counteract the heat (and I’m sure to prevent accidents), vendors tend to include a zarf on the outside of each cup. This paper liner has a rich history, and the contemporary version was patented in 1991 by Jay Sorensen, who turned a mishap involving burned fingers and spilled coffee into a practical solution.

PARESTHESIA

You’re familiar with the sensation of pins and needles and unusual numbness that occurs when your leg falls asleep and you start moving again, right? That’s known as Paresthesia. There are various reasons for this phenomenon, such as alcohol consumption, wearing overly tight shoes or clothes, or even dehydration.

FERRULE

The piece of metal located between the wood and the eraser on a pencil is known as a ferrule. Its purpose is to securely bind the two separate parts together, forming a unified writing instrument. However, the utility of a ferrule extends beyond pencils, as it is widely employed globally to prevent components from separating.

AKRASIA

Who among us has not succumbed to acting against their own better judgement, perhaps due to the influence of peers or other external pressures? If you have, then you have experienced akrasia. This phenomenon has captivated philosophers for centuries. The concept of akrasia, or weakness of will, can be traced back to the works of ancient philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Whether it involves indulging in unhealthy habits despite understanding the risks or making decisions against one’s own best interest due to social pressures, akrasia remains a compelling aspect of human behavior.

MONDEGREEN

Hey, remember that classic 80’s tune “Footloose”? My sister used to swear the lyrics started with “Been working…so hard, out washing my car” instead of the actual “Been working so hard, I’m punching my card…” You know, those misheard lyrics are called mondegreens. It’s like our brains are remixing the tunes without permission!”

NEOLOGISM

The creation of a new term, whether entirely original or an isolated word, falls within the realm of neologism. This term, derived from the Greek for “new speech or utterance,” describes a word or phrase that is in the process of gaining common usage, yet has not been fully embraced as part of mainstream language. Notable examples of neologisms include “hee-haw” in the film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “banana republic,” cyberspace, factoid, and gremlin. These terms exemplify the ongoing evolution of language and its reflective nature of contemporary society.

WHOOPERUPPERING

Back in the Victorian era, they had a word for it – “whooperuppers”! If you were a lousy and ear-piercing singer, you’d be labeled as one of them. Fast forward to today, and you’ll probably spot a bunch of whooperuppers at your local karaoke joint… or simply turn on some Yoko Ono for a similar experience!

AGLET

The aglet, a humble yet often overlooked object, plays a crucial role in our daily lives. It may seem insignificant, but the absence of this small plastic sheath at the end of a shoelace can cause great inconvenience. As we struggle to thread a frayed shoestring through its designated eyelet, we realize the importance of the aglet’s presence. Its primary function is to keep the shoelace intact, preventing it from unraveling and making it easier to lace up our shoes. So, the next time an aglet goes missing, we may find ourselves grappling with the nuisance of untangling and securing a rebellious lace.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

Can you name a unique something so common in your life that others may not be aware of it, and share what you call it? Here’s an AI-generated example:

In my daily life, I have a small ritual that I like to call “twilight tea”. Every evening, as the sun starts to set and the house quietens down, I make myself a cup of tea and take a few moments to reflect on the day. It’s a simple yet meaningful act that helps me unwind and transition into the evening. I savor each sip of the tea while sitting by the window, watching the soft colors of twilight paint the sky. It’s a quiet, introspective time for me, and it’s become a cherished part of my daily routine.

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