Tuesday Word: nimrod

[ellesieg.livejournal.com]

In modern slang, a nimrod is an inept person, socially or otherwise -- foolish, rude, unable or unwilling to do anything right. The term has its origins in Nimrod, from the Hebrew Nimrōdh, a biblical king, ruler of Shinar. Renowned for his power and hunting ability, his name became sort of a generic term for a skilled hunter, a tyrant or a powerful person. How did nimrod, with such lofty origins, sink to the level of a common insult? It's all thanks to cartoon character Bugs Bunny, who sarcastically referred to Elmer Fudd, a determined but miserably unsuccessful rabbit hunter, as a nimrod.

Comments

[belovedwarrior.livejournal.com]

It is also a small town in Minnesota.

[theidolhands.livejournal.com]

Well, also one is capitalized and one is not.

Further, Nimrod is associated with the construction of Tower of Babble, which is told as an anecdote against arrogance or thinking oneself a god, and it was an act that led to the division and ruin of us as a united peoples who no longer could easily communicate with one another in a common language. It is within Nimrod's land that this ancient city (and others) existed, though wether he did indeed issue the construction f the tower is not clear or explicitly stated, just a common interpretation and why the name is associated with a similar foolishly arrogant attitude.

To have it all (or be sittin' pretty), but still not be satisfied, then push your hand too far -- that is what it is to be a "nimrod" via ancient and modern interpretation -- to think you're clever and superior, when really you're being a chump.

It is interesting though, I always think, to find such ancient words still lingering around. Thank you for the entry.