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Out of curiosity, how many of you fine folks would know the word "milch" and what it means. (edit I should have added it's still an English word! but yes if you know german you'd know it as it is the same word. ;) ) (Please no spoilers and no cheating by looking it up until after you have thought about it at least!)

#Language #Linguistics #LanguageChange

This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)

I read the James Herriott books as a youngster, so I know.

But not going to post spoilers.

@mwl It's how I recognized blood letting instruments I once saw at a flea market! I should have done a poll. ;)
Ah, yes. A proper flean is unmistakeable, once you know it exists.

Content warning: potential spoiler

Content warning: potential spoiler

@admin It was still in use in English in 1851 and I was curious how many still knew the word! But yes german word since it is the same root.
I've seen it used in fairly modern fiction in exactly the way you have in mind.
Is it cheating to be a Linguistics major who's taken relevant classes and read Chaucer and Le Morte D'Arthur in the original? I think it shows up in Shakespeare as well, and probably the King James Bible.
@elysegrasso I did some Linguistics as well in Uni though not as a major. I've read some Chaucer in the original as well. ;) (The Prologue is gorgeous! https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43926/the-canterbury-tales-general-prologue) I have no doubt Shakespeare would have used the word.