tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Thu Apr 20 14:12:46 2006
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Re: Klingon WOTD: Hom (noun)
>This is the Klingon Word Of The Day for Thursday, April 20, 2006.
>
>Klingon word: Hom
>Part of Speech: noun
>Definition: weakling, runt, scrawny one, skinny one (slang)
This word literally means "bone", but its slang usage is no
doubt influenced by the noun suffix {-Hom}, a diminutive that
adds a meaning of smallness or lack of importance (compare
{taj} ["knife"] and {tajHom} ["little knife", the extra small
blade in the handle of a d'k tahg knife]). There are a number
of standard counterparts to {Hom}, such as {pujwI'} ("weakling"),
{langwI'} ("one who is thin"), and {runwI'} ("one who is short").
(KGT 152)
>Homonyms:
> Hom (noun) - bone
Hom Hutlhbogh ghab
{ghab} that lacks bone (KGT)
Wind instruments (there is no overall term for them) range
from the simple flute or fife ({Dov'agh}), generally crafted
from a bone... (KGT 75)
Cf. also {melchoQ} "bone marrow")
> Hom (verb) - use the second toe
DungDaq Hom
point upwards with the second toe (HQ 10.2)
The derived noun is, of course, {HomwI'} "second toe".
The toe verb {Hom} has an idiomatic meaning, referring no doubt to the
slang noun {Hom} above:
jaghwI'Daq jIHom
I use (my) second toe at my enemy
(IDIOM: I claim my enemy is unworthy or weak). (HQ 10.2)
The gesture itself is most likely to come up during ritualized
martial arts combat (which, incidentally, is often a part of
Klingon ballet). (HQ 10.2:11)]
To remember it, think of the children's rhyme "This little piggy stayed HOME"!
--
Voragh
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons