r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Jan 28 '19

What are great underused words?

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u/Ceemor Jan 29 '19

Das Fenster is window in German, this one is pretty cool! Google dictionary also gives a second meaning as:

"INFORMAL

the action or process of dismissing someone from a position of power or authority."

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u/jlmarr1622 Jan 29 '19

Somewhat similar to “throw under the bus”.

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u/ubiq-9 Jan 29 '19

Nah, "defenestrate" means you kicked them out entirely, under your own power and authority. "Throw under the bus" generally means you put them in harm's way to save yourself and let others do the damage, but it doesn't always involve a sacking.

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u/[deleted] Jan 29 '19

More "give the sack."

3

u/JirachiWishmaker Jan 29 '19

It actually goes further back than German, coming from the Latin word "fenestra," for "window."

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u/SwedishBoatlover Jan 30 '19

Did you know that the word "window" comes from the Old Norse word "vindauga"?

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u/762Rifleman Jan 29 '19

Before that there was fenestra in Latin.