niddering

[prettygoodword]

niddering - n., a coward, a wretch.


This would be completely obsolete were it not for Sir Walter Scott having popularized it, at least among those who read (and write like) his books. The word is actually supposed to be nithing, but it changed to niddering due to a misprint (whether printer's or author's is unclear to me) in a 1596 book by William of Malmesbury. Ultimate root is Old Norse niðingr, and has nothing to do with nothing, but rather nið, scorn.

---L.

Comments

[loup_noir]

I just wanted to say that I really enjoy these posts. I have a little list of especially wonderful ones culled from this journal that need to get used in a story.

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

I hestitate to ask what use you might have for this one ...

---L.

[packbat.livejournal.com]

...I'm sorry, but this just sounds way too much like an adjective. :/

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

In the manner of someone who nidders, yes. Exactly.

---L.

[packbat.livejournal.com]

So ... "That there should be anyone who listens to the advice of this niddering fool on any subject whatsoever, much less on a matter of national politics, only demonstrates that Americans really do have the memory of goldfishes (which is to say, extending back no more than three months, according to the best scientific research)" would be a correct usage?

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

That's what it sounds like it ought to be, but it isn't. A more correct usage would be "That niddering is a base caitiff, who runs from each encounter of strength, and employs dishonorable strategem against the weak."

---L.

[packbat.livejournal.com]

Ah, so it is a noun. A la "weakling", I suppose.

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

That's a good comparison.

---L.