The English Language is at it Again: Exploring the Suffix "-ard

The English language never ceases to amaze with its quirks and peculiarities. A recent conversation on Tumblr has shed light on an interesting aspect of the language—the suffix "-ard." This discussion, captured in a screenshot that has garnered significant attention on social media, delves into the meaning and usage of words ending in "-ard" and humorously proposes new terms based on this suffix.

The conversation starts with a Tumblr user, voyagerprobe, listing types of "stard" with entries like "mu" and "ba." This prompts brunhiddensmusings to explain that "-ard" is indeed a real suffix in the English language, similar to "ly" or "ify." The suffix "-ard" conveys a sense of "too much" or "too easily." For instance, "mustard" is something that is "too pungent," just as a "wizard" is someone who is "too wise," a "coward" is someone "too easily cowed," and a "drunkard" is someone "too often drunk."

The conversation takes a humorous turn when the-macra expresses surprise and necromancy-savant provides an etymological explanation. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), "b******" comes from Old French, with "bast" referring to a "pack saddle" used as a bed by mule drivers. This led to the phrase "fils de bast," meaning a child conceived on the pack saddle instead of the marriage bed. In English, it became "b******," with "-ard" being a pejorative, similar to "wizard," "coward," and "drunkard."

Other users, like ritavonbees and ghast505, join in with their own humorous takes, listing various types of "-ard" and expressing how the discussion has expanded their understanding. Comments range from witty observations to more detailed linguistic explanations, making the conversation both entertaining and informative.

One user humorously notes, "I've been watching buzzards for twenty years, and I can confirm that they don’t buzz. At least, not within the normal human range of hearing," adding to the playful nature of the discussion. Another user, Howards are engineers, contributes a list of words like "award, much awe" and "blizzard, much blizz," further showcasing the creative application of the "-ard" suffix.

The conversation also touches on historical linguistics, with users noting that "-ard" occasionally appears as "-art," as seen in words like "braggart." Other terms mentioned include "drunkards," "dullards," "laggards," and "sluggards."

This intriguing and humorous exploration of the English suffix "-ard" exemplifies how language evolves and how social media platforms like Tumblr can serve as spaces for both learning and amusement. With over 197,073 notes, this discussion has clearly resonated with many, highlighting the collective fascination with the complexities and curiosities of the English language.