Dope
Pete from Traverse City
called in to comment on a word that has many meanings: dope. It came into English from the Dutch word doop, meaning a sauce made for dipping.
Most of us will think of
an illegal drug like heroin or a really stupid person when we hear the word
dope, but there are many other meanings.
- a narcotic used to enhance the performance
of a racehorse.
- factual information (the inside dope).
- an absorbent material used in certain
manufacturing processes.
- a type of lacquer used to waterproof and
tauten the cloth surfaces of airplane wings in the early days of aviation.
- a regionalism for a carbonated cola.
- a syrup or sweet sauce that is poured on ice
cream.
- any thick liquid or semi-fluid used as an
article of food or as a lubricant.
- a substance added to gasoline or other fuel
to increase its efficiency.
- slang for excellent or impressive.
Available from McFarland & Co.: Word Parts
Dictionary, 2nd edition
Nook edition
Nook edition
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