|
|
#2 (permalink) Mon Aug 06, 2007 11:30 am Words like 'Pell-mell', 'Topsy-turvy' etc |
|
|
In Yiddish-influenced American English, you can make up any kind of word like this you want by replacing the first consonant or consonant cluster with "shm":
Fancy-shmancy Cadillac-shmadillac Boss-shmoss
This is done to indicate that you resent something and don't think it's important.
"Cadillac-shmadillac! I'm buying a practical car!" "Boss-shmoss! I'm skipping work today!" |
|
Jamie (K) I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 6552 Location: Detroit, Michigan, USA
|
|
#3 (permalink) Mon Aug 06, 2007 12:00 pm Words like 'Pell-mell', 'Topsy-turvy' etc |
|
|
| Tom wrote: |
3- Hotch-potch
|
Have you also found the word 'hodgepodge'?
As regards your request for a list, some similar words/expressions that come immediately to mind are hocus pocus and razzle dazzle (and its "cousin" razmataz). . _________________ "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
|
Yankee I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 8316 Location: USA
|
 |
#4 (permalink) Mon Aug 06, 2007 17:17 pm Words like 'Pell-mell', 'Topsy-turvy' etc |
|
|
Hi Tom,
The one I like describing someone who thinks they are above everyone else and superior to everyone else and walk around with their nose in the air is:
hoity-toity
Alan _________________ English as a Second Language You can read my ESL story Present Simple |
|
Alan Co-founder

Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 13877 Location: UK
|
 |
#5 (permalink) Mon Aug 06, 2007 19:28 pm Words like 'Pell-mell', 'Topsy-turvy' etc |
|
|
Hi Tom,
Have you read this fantastic piece by Mr Townend?
It contains a lot of expressions with rhyming words. Let me know what you think.
Regards, Torsten
TOEIC listening, photographs: Combine harvesters |
|
Torsten Learning Coach

Joined: 25 Sep 2003 Posts: 14469 Location: EU
|
 |
#6 (permalink) Tue Aug 07, 2007 5:12 am Words like 'Pell-mell', 'Topsy-turvy' etc |
|
|
Hi
I read the piece found it interesting. :D
The following words have been treated as 'two words' in the passage while I have always known them as 'one'. Could you please shed some light on it? Am I out of order or there is some special purpose to do so?
| Quote: |
1- Kowtow 2- Hobnob |
Tom |
|
Tom I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 2102
|
 |
|
| Whats the difference between tenant and landlord? | Pronouncing "it's still" |