CHICANERY, RHETORIC, CACOPHONY

 CHICANERY [Noun]

[Pronounced as: Shuh kayn uhree]

Chicanery is another bad trait in that it pertains to the practice of clever use of language for ‘deception‘ or subterfuge with a design to achieve one’s purpose . In plain terms it is an organized strategy of ‘word play’ to willfully make others believe and play into the trap.

Subterfuge [pronounced: shub tuh fyooj] is explained as a ‘dishonest way of behaving’. Once again the easiest way of understanding the term ’Chicanery’ is to recall ‘rosy utterances of political outfits to hoodwink gullible voters by tall promises hard to ‘stand by’. It is a kind of ‘verbal blindfolding’ of voters.  ‘Hoodwinking’ is also an act of treachery on voters/UNSUSPECTING listeners through false promises

One of the definitions of “Hoodwink” suggests ’to make someone believe something that is not true’. ‘Deceive’, ‘trick’,’ defraud’ ‘misguide’ are other synonyms of ‘hoodwink’.  So, all terms associated with Chicanery are themselves expressions of varied forms of cheating.

USAGE

People of all nations are fed-up with the political chicanery and no longer gather in numbers to listen to political promises.

The litigant has suffered twice from the chicanery of his lawyers in retrieving the property from the rival.

One of the trickiest is reading through the intricacies of statistical chicanery

RHETORIC [Noun]

Pronounced : ruh taw rik

Rhetoric is a statement spoken or written with the innate desire to impress recipients and so, is not sincere or honest.

Though ‘rhetoric’ is viewed as a skill of handling language to impress audience, it is dubbed ‘insincere’ / grandiloquent. Grandiloquent is viewed as big or bombastic. Grandiloquent is a product of merger of terms” Grand “and ‘Eloquent’

Grand suggests size or volume while ‘eloquent’ signifies free flow of words. Unlike Chicanery that aims to willfully misleading, Rhetoric has only the purpose of making an impression and is not intent on cheating.

CACOPHONY [Noun]

Pronounced: kuf- kaw-fuh -nee

Cacophony is a noisy cluster of words and unpleasant to hear. So, cacophony is a jarring sound of words, that are discordant. It relates more to the volume than to the content. Often, rhetoric is delivered in a fierce noise that cacophony gets associated with it.

Though the words ‘chicanery’, rhetoric’ and cacophony mean different things, the three can come together in terms of effect.

Prof .K. Raman

P… P…P

 P… P…P

Certainly, it is not any opening of a ‘Nadhaswaram' concert; Still, I choose to use it as a catchy title for the day’s blog post. I intend surveying three words –not so common in our daily usage. All of them begin with letter “P” and hence the title.

These are ‘Penury ‘, Parsimony’ and ’Parvenu’. Though simple, these terms have not had the users’ patronage for quite obscure reasons. If someone has any clue or suggestion kindly enlighten all of us [on this point]  is an ‘open request’.

PARSIMONY

Parsimony is a negative trend on matters of spending from resources even if enough justification remains for that expenditure. In plain terms it is ‘miserly’ behaviour. Some persons hide the money in their possession and turn the other way at the time of payment and force payment [therefore expenditure] on others. Sometimes we observe lavish spending by government agencies on propaganda; but the same agencies turn PARSIMONIOUS and hold back investments like transport or power supply schemes. Parsimonious is the adjective form as can be readily recognized. ‘Parsimony’ in use of ‘words’ [language] is a practice adopted by some teachers. It simply robs the students of the opportunity to learn and use better terms. To make things clear it can be said that ‘parsimony’ is a tendency of avoiding spending even a pie [paisa] more than what the person feels inevitable. Such persons painfully part with money for train ticket or cinema hall; for them popcorn is an extravaganza more than a luxury by itself.

PARVENU [Pronounced ‘paa-vuh-nyoo’]

If one gets to have the meaning of the word, no wonder we have not had the occasion to know, understand and relish the usage of the term. It is unusual by occurrence though not outright ‘ruled out’. ‘Parvenu’ applies to person[s] who have suddenly become rich or ascended power. There is more to it than mere wealth or position of power. Some sources like dictionaries, also indicate that besides acquisition of wealth or power, [s]he is yet to acquire the ‘presentation’ that goes with those parameters of social significance. So to say the [wo] man –though richer or powerful [suddenly] remains rustic or ill-refined in attire or utterance. Possibly, the best-fit states of ‘parvenu’ can be found among politicians who turn rich overnight but remain ill-organized and crude.

PENURY

‘Penury’ is a noun and it refers to the state of extreme poverty.

All kinds of inadequacy, scarcity, dearth and insufficiency are classed under ‘PENURY’. Each of them also signifies the state of being below the level of adequacy.

A person in ‘penury’ may one day turn wealthy [‘parvenu’] but should not become parsimonious fearing the earlier penury.

Prof. K.Raman

 

CABBAGE

 CABBAGE

Among the most orthodox elders of traditional households, the vegetable ‘Cabbage’ is just an item for garbage. All said and done, it has gained social acceptance as a vegetable in our diet except on days of observances of remembrance. Such a ‘treatment’ may be traceable to the vegetable’s western origin. The item has a patronage by house-wives for the ease of handling it and the high volume of dish that can be tabled in quick time.

If the item is put to vote, probably it may manage to win Yes and No –for, there are equal number of persons to like/ dislike. It is my basic understanding that the item does not enjoy huge following or any outright condemnation.

Leaving aside these peripherals, the item holds interest for its value in different situations.

CABBAGE SOUP IN WEIGHT LOSS

Cabbage is a recommended item for those intent on ‘losing’ weight; the suggested method involves making a soup with certain other additives to enhance palatability.

CABBAGE EXTRACT IN ULCER CURE

It is recommended that about 200 ml of cabbage juice taken in empty stomach with a teaspoon honey can quickly relieve us of ulcers in about a week’s time. Simply shred a cabbage leaf to pieces, boil in water and when lukewarm add honey and drink as the first feed of the day, and get relieved of ulcers.

GOOD SUPPLEMENT

Cabbage can deliver Vitamins-K, C, B₆, Manganese, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium; also contains small quantities of Vit-A, Iron and Riboflavin.

ANTIOXIDANTS

Cabbage has antioxidants to relieve us of inflammations

DIGESTION

Cabbage has enough fibre to help digestion

ANTHOCYANIN

Cabbage helps healthy heart through Anthocyanins

PHYTOSTEROLS

Cabbage provides sterols that reduce low-density cholesterols

In short, cabbage is a healthy diet supplement, though it doesn’t appeal for a delicacy.

Prof. K. Raman

BOOK

 BOOK

‘Book’ is a common term. But, it may mean several disparate things under different contexts. Quite interesting it is to note that this word is common with not-so common applications in the English language.

Book: a collection of essays on a single theme or a series of articles catering to varied interests like political, legal, medical and academic topics and may include jokes and tit-bits besides advertisements, so long as the term remains a ‘noun’.

BOOK: a collection of unused pages to write on –as in a Note book. On this occasion the item has no author or editor, as anyone can use it for writing.

Another form of book is “TICKET BOOK“ or “Cheque book” whose pages are detached  for use in a defined system  like train or bus for a pre-determined value or in  MEAL COUNTER of a hotel. Except the person[s] authorized none else can write or sign them.

BOOKS

A SPECIAL DOCUMENT RELATING TO Commercial activities of a firm or company or a business house or a trader. It is supposed to ‘document’ purchases, arrivals inward/ delivery outward and financial information on Income/ Expenditure. The upkeep of the record is ‘BOOK KEEPING’.

BY THE BOOK

The term means ‘as per rules or by stipulations of Law’, or by the rules of the game. Players who play the game or shots as per definition are said to play in ‘copy book style’.

 A CLOSED BOOK

The term refers to issues or events of which not much is known in public. The life of XXX was a closed book; it may also mean an eventful life of secrets.  Sometimes ‘closed book’ may also mean that some ideas or principles are not clearly understood. As for instance Mathematics is a closed book for me , much as English is for some people.

BE IN THE GOOD BOOKS / BAD BOOKS OF

The expression ‘good books’ is a reference to positive influence between persons or between a person and a firm. For instanc : He is in the Good Books of the Top leader [ He can be influential with the leader= can achieve support]  or He is in the ‘bad books’ of the leader     [His attempts to get some help are bound to fail].

ON THE BOOKS

The expression ‘on the books’ suggests that the idea or statement or information is recorded. So, later the person cannot retract if his/ her statement is on the book. ‘ON THE BOOKS’ is an idiom.

IN MY BOOK

The expression means ‘as stated by me in writing’ or in my opinion or contention

BRING TO BOOK

The expression suggests to ‘make people answerable before law or court’.

BOOKS

The term refers to the possibility of our indicating different titles like Medicine Astronomy, Agronomy, Literature, Fiction, Travelogue , History, Biography, Autobiography and so on.

Though a common and a simple term, ‘book’ as used in different formations may mean far different things and ideas; each of them has a definite implication.

Prof. K.Raman

Why some plants disappoint us?

 Why some plants disappoint us?

It is a painful sight to see friends lamenting that the Jasmine cuttings / Rose cuttings so affectionately carried to our place in Nainital or Simla, lack the distinct fragrance [known for their flowers in their places] is missing despite superior climate and all agronomic care bestowed on to them. I can only sympathize with them because, they are honest in their care of the plant; but, the plant is not any disloyal to the caretakers. Either are performing to their best.  But, what goes wrong? To put the record straight, some clarity about plant growth and the role of climate over their ‘products’ m nature deserve understanding.

Humans seldom review themselves for any change in them since their settling in some place like England/ US A/ Australia from their original abode at Paramakkudi or Uththirakosamangai down South. But, they want Aruppookkottai Jasmine to bear fragrant flowers in Minnesota or Vermont. True the plant taken from our tropical homeland are gregarious in foliage in new place but disappoint us by flowers. Why+?

One more disappointment of which migrants to US from India avoid discussion [like the proverbial scorpion-stung thieves] is the less tasty vegetable from US departmental stores, fielding massive Brinjals, cute Ladies finger and similar stuff [home-grown in US]. Back home some of them muster courage to fight with the wife that ‘you are no good a cook compared to my mom’; obviously many lament in silence , lest domestic peace should get torn  to pieces and a ready retort  as to “why not you get your mom to cook for us here?”

Another occasion when these India-born Diaspora let their emotions emerge at a weak moment –tasting the items –‘rasam’, ‘Murukku’ or similar stuff served in weddings ; after a sumptuous tasting of them, they reveal – ‘whatever we may try , the taste of Items in India’ are indeed mouth-watering’ and the same TASTE does not come about in USA. People who are on a high key decibel talking about living conditions, civic quality and silent society around in their area, drop into eerie silence to speak about the inability in improving the taste of food even by the most accurate recipe.  The missing factor in all the above instances pertain to soil minerals and climate. These two determine a variety of plant features.

Yes, biological systems –plants/ animals tune themselves to the conditions of soil and climate prevalent in the ‘new home’. Plants obtain the elements from the soil and assemble their structures through proteins and generate carbohydrates, proteins and sugars typical for their species. It is the precise assembly of such minerals that is responsible for the ‘fidelity’ in taste and aroma of each vegetable. However, the size of the fruits or flowers of a species get determined by the water content and ‘freedom’ of growth permissible by climate. Tropical climate [warm through the best part of the year] places a restriction over fruit or flower size. General freedom for such growth is a balance between genetic potential and the freedom from climate. Conducive cold climates encourage bigger dimensions for structures through accumulation of water and consequent enlargement in size. Recall how the massive brinjal fruits give off water when put in the frying pan and attain a low volume upon cooking.

Tropical warm geographic territories restrict growth in size and the water content thereof. At the same time the fruits, vegetables or seeds have minerals and low water content. In order to hold the water in the cells, the flowers /fruits have water-binding substances. To attract pollinators, the flowers secrete ethereal oils with typical fragrance. Also, when fruits of tropical plants ripen they give off ‘fruity smell’  by the evaporating substances and ethylene. In cold climates, the oil content and the readiness to evaporate are  very low and so hill station flowers and fruits do not draw attention by fragrance. The problem is compounded by an inherent low content of evaporable oils. We can try to grow plants / flowers / fruits in our territory with no control over their mineral uptake/ quantum of water held within and the assembly of rich oils of  vapourizing ability. Better not to lament over what cannot be altered or alerted by us.

Prof. K.Raman

PUNCT

 PUNCT

Punct [noun] and it means a point or a dot. Interestingly, punct is the root word for several other derivatives in English language. It is quite a revelation that a variety of usages appear to have emerged from this word. Let us try to recall some of them.

Punct means ‘point’ which means a critical issue in a discussion.

Punctal refers to any item relating to a ‘point’.

Punctuate [Verb] which implies the writing custom of marking pauses, separation of clauses or ending of statement.

Punctuation [noun] which suggests or refers to the act or process of punctuating.

Punctuative [adjective]-which refers to the relationship to the process of ‘punctuaion’.

Punctuator[ noun]  refers to a person who takes care of appropriately ‘punctuating’ the book.

Punctiform [adjective] -a reference to the appearance like a ‘dot’ or ‘point’.

Punctilio [noun] Exactness or precision in form

Punctilious [adj] refers to the habit or tendency of being precise

Punctographic [ adj]- relates to the act of printing for  blind [ braile]

Punctual [ adj] the act of sticking to time schedule

Punctuality/ Punctualness  [noun] the habit of adhering to time.

Punctum [noun] a dot or point

Punctate [adj]  - ending in a point.

Puncture [verb] to pierce with a sharp instrument.

Thus, the root-word ‘PUNCT’ serves to formulate several derivatives, each of which may have a precision to a context. It is profitable to get armed of such usages and their utility thereof. Quite an array of terms is based on ‘Punct’. Use them to advantage and make a mark in your sphere of activity. Good luck.

Prof. K.Raman  

 

ABRACADABRA

 ABRACADABRA

I am no conjurer nor do I intend becoming one. Still, such tongue-twisting labels become favourites of students of Biology for naming their Biology teachers; Students are baffled by liberal use of such terms in Biology ; they tend to believe that the teachers are intent on baffling. If properly laid out , Biology is among the most fascinating branches of knowledge by virtue of the innate ‘design’ of structures ‘formulated by the creator or Nature’, conceiving the probability of immense potential essential for survival. As one keeps getting into the deep corridors of the subject more awe and admiration for Nature’s ‘forethought’ keeps amplifying by the hour. Yet, almost till date Biology is looked down upon as a segment with ‘nothing to learn by effort’, as there are no  formulae  to derive or equations to solve. Honestly, such formulae and equations unfold before us when we try interpreting a range of biochemical interactions, by-products, metabolites [substances derived from usable matter] and their value to humans. On the face of it Biology is dubbed as an exercise of memorizing names/ terms/ spelling and drawing diagrams –as a mundane duty of learning.   Somewhere along the line such an impression has set in and keeps many minds and brains from venturing into Biology. If my contention needs proof, may I draw attention to the fact that several students and parents deem it fit to opt for Biotechnology course in Engineering institutes. The ‘bait’ for them is the term ‘technology’ though tagged to the ‘untouchable’ biology.  The honesty of truth should alert us that with no strong foundation in the domains  of Physiology in Biological systems, any technology would just be a claim; it cannot obviously help the cause of Biotechnology as the very purpose of this branch of knowledge  aims at alleviating human suffering by evolving the most tangible solutions without the attendant ‘side-effects’. The ‘euphoria’ for technology has swallowed the ability to delineate urgency from accuracy or precision in knowledge. Leaving aside such social malady of our times, let us revert to ‘ABRACADABRA’ –the title of this write –up. Why I chose this title needs explanation. The title is a magician’s expression before performing any magic [ಮಾಟ ಮಂತ್ರ ಲಿಪಿ= Kannada சூ மந்திரக்காளி=Tamil , മാന്ത്രികപദം=MALAYALAM  మాంత్రికుని మంత్రం TELUGU,

As such, the word appears new and seems to wield some mystic power which helps the magician to carry the audience. Also, the students in I B.Sc [Biology] see a magician like behaviour of biology teachers who utter such terms effortlessly and keep students on tenterhooks by unabated leashing of terminology. Unlike ‘abracadabra’ of the magician, terms in biology are rich in meaning and are judiciously coined for precision.

The nightmare gripping the student is almost the handiwork of injudicious teachers who never explain the meaning / significance of such terms. Instead they bulldoze statements with very little concern for the learner. It is traceable to the impoverished communication skills of teachers who have no skill or inclination for ‘paraphrasing’ statements to help the student grasp the idea. Indirectly, it also suggests that such teachers are not adept in ‘deciphering’ technical terms by appropriate identification of components therein to derive the intended meaning. Instead, they perform ‘parrot repeats’ without making ideas easier for grasp and remembering. Ideas not well understood promote traits of fierce memorizing and senseless repeat of terms in examinations. If terms are well explained on the first occasion of their usage, learning turns simpler and delightful. Teachers of low skills take oppressive postures causing both fear and disdain among learners.

It is quite puzzling that if Biology has an abracadabra –type language the same should apply to Law since the latter too makes use of terms framed in Gk or Latin. I am not aware of any murmur about Law terms or their rigidity in functional application. Commonly we find terms  “Suo motu”, “Sine die”, prorogued, “Fait accompli”, “Mutatis mutandis”, “ex-parte” and so on. The sanctity of law seems to sustain itself from the strength of rigidity that goes with the ‘legal parlance” Same is the need and validity for technical terms in Biology. Any teaching to be worthy, ought to stick to the moral duty of appropriate clarity and instant explanations of terms, making the exercise of learning free from anxieties / uncertainties. I hope the ‘ABRACADABRA’ is relevant only for the magician and not for any sensible learning. How could Biology be any different?

Prof. K. Raman      

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