virago

[chimerically]

Word of the day (inspired by threadwalker), as seen on iGoogle:

virago: an ill-tempered, overbearing woman; also, a woman of great strength and courage.

How's that for a juxtaposition! Tells you a lot about our culture, actually ...

Comments

[threadwalker.livejournal.com]

it most certainly does. Next ime you're at my house (or first time, since it's the new house) you'll have to check out "the Women's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets"

[http://users.livejournal.com/shallwedance_/]

Completely unrelated, but it reminded me of a quote.

"Where is Fedora,
  The wild virago?
It's lucky I missed her
Gangster sister
  From Chicago."
  - "Where is the Life that Late I Led?," Kiss Me Kate

[zestyping.livejournal.com]

I think it might, if anyone ever used the word. But i've never heard of it. Words like "sissy" and "pussy" are a stronger indication.

"throws like a girl"

[chimerically.livejournal.com]

True - today is the first time I ever heard it. :~)

[temperategoddss.livejournal.com]

Hehe

You're such a virago, you ill-tempered, overbearing woman of great strength and courage!

Bloody hell the juxtaposition! Yes, it does say a lot about our culture. Us viragos are cool AND annoying!

Another word that belongs in this discussion.

[catachthonian.livejournal.com]

Sometimes, excessive intimacy with a virago can lead to the sin of uxoriousness.

Re: Another word that belongs in this discussion.

[chimerically.livejournal.com]

Haha! But James Thurber didn't think that was a sin ...