Monday word: cymling

[ersatz-read.livejournal.com]

cymling (sĭm′lĭng), noun

A flat summer squash with scalloped edges; a pattypan squash.

Etymology:  A late 1700s Americanism of simnel, due to the squash's resemblance to a simnel cake.
These days, I think everyone calls them pattypan squash, or scallop squash, instead of cymlings.
(The term 'pattypan' comes from the shape of a small pan used for baking patties.)

Comments

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Why an Americanism, especially of that era, would add a -y- instead of remove it, is an interesting question.

---L.

[fieryphoenix.livejournal.com]

That's a good questyon!

[theidolhands.livejournal.com]

Because then it would have to change the "c" to an "s" -- to ensure pronunciation accuracy -- and that's too much damn work.

(Actually, it probably would deviate too much from the original roots of the word or perhaps it was to stay in line with science/botany around the globe and through history)

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Heh.