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English Language Query - "Lame" as applied to a dead arm...
Posted:
Tue Feb 11, 2014 5:42 amby Voddy
I admire the collective knowledge here and I'm quite fascinated by language but stuck with this one: do help if you can, please!
The word "lame" usually refers to a leg that is useless. What is a single word that refers to a useless arm, other than disabled, dead or f@cked?
Thank you!
Re: English Language Query - "Lame" as applied to a dead arm
Posted:
Tue Feb 11, 2014 6:44 amby Cherry Yidaki
Short answer: flipper
Longer answer: try bracchial neuritis or claudification or infirmitas.
Re: English Language Query - "Lame" as applied to a dead arm
Posted:
Tue Feb 11, 2014 7:24 amby Icefever
You got me there mate...same as you for lame refers to the leg....but the arm????
Re: English Language Query - "Lame" as applied to a dead arm
Posted:
Tue Feb 11, 2014 1:33 pmby John51
I've heard the term 'paralysed arm' used.
btw, here's a link to 'The Adventure of English' by Melvin Bragg:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0343228/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_7First episode is a bit like a history lesson with some very weird words but after that I found it fascinating to learn how the English language developed.
Re: English Language Query - "Lame" as applied to a dead arm
Posted:
Tue Feb 11, 2014 4:38 pmby Voddy
Thanks to all!
"Flipper" - indeed! Yes, funny how we know lame for the leg, but the arm.... what's with that?
Another Yes; while I don't like sell-out Melvyn Bragg's politics, I do admire his knowledge and get his weekly email blog. Thanks for the link, I'll be checking that out tonight while my T500 is running! Yay!
Re: English Language Query - "Lame" as applied to a dead arm
Posted:
Tue Feb 11, 2014 6:12 pmby Cherry Yidaki
Perusing lexicons more specialized than the standard dictionary shows the terms "lame" and "lameness" to be more flexible and less oriented to below-the-waist reference.
"lame1 [leym] Show IPA
adjective, lam·er, lam·est.
1.
crippled or physically disabled, especially in the foot or leg so as to limp or walk with difficulty.
2.
impaired or disabled through defect or injury: a lame arm.
3.
weak; inadequate; unsatisfactory; clumsy: a lame excuse.
4.
Slang. out of touch with modern fads or trends; unsophisticated.
verb (used with object), lamed, lam·ing.
5.
to make lame or defective."
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lame
Re: English Language Query - "Lame" as applied to a dead arm
Posted:
Wed Feb 12, 2014 12:14 amby Easydrinker
Not expecting to win a prize here as I can only get down to two words.
But to me a 'crooked arm' covers the question.
Robert.
Re: English Language Query - "Lame" as applied to a dead arm
Posted:
Wed Feb 12, 2014 6:31 pmby Voddy
Again, thank you, guys.
I think I need a better dictionary...
I feel satisfied to use 'lame' in ref to an arm now.
Thanks again everybody.