4/23/2008
Words for Nerds – Abattoir
Abattoir is a word you may have run across, especially if you fancy fiction or crave comics. What do you think abattoir means?
A. Fashionable, having refined taste
B. A chicken coop
C. A slaughterhouse
D. In a confused or delirious state
E. Excessively humid
Hint: the word comes from the French abattre, to beat down. The correct definition of abattoir, of course, is … C, a slaughterhouse.
Abattoir certainly sounds more dignified than slaughterhouse, though if you are a cow or a pig, the subtlety of the distinction will most likely be lost on you. Abattoir is also the name of an arch villain in DC comics.
6 Responses to Words for Nerds – Abattoir
Brad, abattoir is an everyday word for us – well, not quite everyday (unless you’re a farmer) but I think most people in the UK would be familiar with it. I’m guessing we use that rather than slaughterhouse. So this one was easy for me.
Joanna
Joanna, interesting. The word isn’t used much in the U.S. as far as I know. After all these Nerd Words I’m glad you caught a break.
Brad, I was stumped! I had never heard of the word. Thanks for teaching me something new!
Karen
Hi Karen, I’ll be looking for “abattoir” in one of your posts.
Brad, abattoir’s an unusual, but stylish sounding word, but for the life of me I can’t figure out how I’d ever use it. Now that stumps me this a.m.!
Robyn, how about writing a sequel to “Abattoir Five”?