Puzzles. Take my “word” for it.
There is no travel for me this week after fourteen straight weeks on the road. So, far 🙂
So, instead of math and logic puzzles, this time it is about English words, as specifically requested by Sara.
Without Googling or looking up the internet try these…
1. As we all know “ballpark estimate” means a rough guess at the actual number. What is the origin of this phrase?
2. Many times you have seen (but I am sure not used 🙂 ) phrases like !@#$%^& to replace actual vulgar words. What is the English word for those string of characters? (I believe the same word also signifies the string of pictures that denote a comic strip character spouting profanities)
3. Finally, “education” is a word that has all the five vowels. (Friends from UK and India will also point to “favourite” and “dialogue”). Can you come up with a word that has all the five vowels – each only once and in exactly that sequence – a,e,i,o,u? (“education” does not qualify since the sequence is e,u,a,i,o)
Sara, next time you have to post some more puzzles or give them to me, I will publish in my blog with due credits to you.
Answers:
First, the word puzzles are decidedly less popular than the math and logic ones. Even Sara who wanted it did not try it 🙂
Second, Anand got closest to the correct answers.
1. The origin of “ballpark estimate” refers back to old days when owners (and not commentators) of a baseball team and stadium was publish the estimated number of spectators (usually generous to prove that their team and stadium was popular).
2. “grawlix” (can’t believe Anand knew this)
3. I knew “abstemious”. Anand, Devashish and Marangatty added “facetious. The twins Debatri and Bijetri added a few more – aerious, adventious, tragedious and affectious