1. What is the difference between `histrionics' and `hysterics'?
(V. Prakash, Mysore)
During elections, we sometimes have politicians telling the world that they will be seeking the blessings of their parents before they `file their nomination papers'. Instead of making this a private affair, they invite a lot of people from the press to witness the event. As the photographers start to click their cameras, the politician falls at his mother's feet, and when he gets up, he begins to weep uncontrollably.
The parents break down as well, and the next day we see a picture of the three in a tight embrace. We know that the politician is putting on a show; the overly dramatic behaviour is for the sake of the cameras. This deliberate display of insincere and rather exaggerated emotion is called `histrionics'. The word comes from the Latin `histrio' meaning `actor', and it is usually used to show disapproval.
Cut out the histrionics, will you? We know that you are not as crazy as you pretend to be.
When you are in `hysterics', you laugh or weep uncontrollably. Unlike in the case of `histrionics', the emotions you display are spontaneous, not planned. The word comes from the Latin `hystera' meaning `womb'. In the old days, it was thought such uncontrollable fits of crying or laughter were common only among women: people believed that women had hysterics because of specific female health problems.
The new man gave a brilliant performance. He has us in hysterics.
2. What is the meaning of `walking a thin line'?
(Jyotika Singhal, Delhi)
When you walk a thin line between something, what you are doing is performing a balancing act. You are caught between two individuals or groups who have radically different views about something. You do your job by treading carefully: you try your best not to annoy or anger the two individuals/ groups. The expression `to walk a fine line' has the same meaning. I understand that both these expressions come from the world of tightrope walking.
The Minister knew that he had to walk a fine line between the striking workers and the Management.
3. How is the word `pulchritude' pronounced? (Gaurav Mishra, Varanasi)
The first syllable `pul' rhymes with `skull', and `null'. The `ch' is like the `k' in `kill' and `kiss', and the following `i' sounds like the `i' in `it', and `fit'. The final syllable is like the `tude' in `attitude' and `aptitude'. The word is pronounced `PUL-kri-tyud' with the stress on the first syllable. Pulchritude is mostly used in formal contexts. It means `great physical beauty', and in most cases the word is used to refer to the attractiveness of a woman.
The speaker said that it was not actress' pulchritude that fascinated him.
4. Is the word `police' followed by a singular or a plural verb?
(N. Aswathi, Chennai)
The dictionaries list the word `police' as a plural noun. The word, therefore, has to be followed by a plural verb. It does not have a singular form.
The police were unable to stop the murder from taking place.
5. Is it okay to say, `The father was extremely jealous about his daughter's popularity'?
(C. Hamsa, Hyderabad)
No, it isn't. You are not `jealous about' something, you are usually `jealous of' something or someone.
The Manager was jealous of his colleague's achievements.
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"If your wife wants to learn how to drive, don't stand in her way."
- Stan Levenson
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