Waaaaaaaaay back in 2006 when I started submitting a historical manuscript, I had an editor respond saying that some of words were too modern. Like “whatnot.”
Now, I won’t argue that some of my words were indeed too modern. But that she chose that one as an example gave me a chuckle. =)
Whatnot dates to the 1530s, meaning “anything.” It’s a very literal world, from what + not. Even as a piece of furniture, it’s from the early 1800s, named after the items it’s meant to hold. I personally love tossing this word into a historical–it’s one that feels old, yet is still in occasional use today so is easy to understand.
On a not-word-related note, I’m in one of the areas hit by the severe storms/tornadoes over the weekend, and while we didn’t even lose power at our house, my parents are still without electricity, and it’s going to take a long time to clean up all the damage from felled trees at my mother-in-law’s house–prayers appreciated!
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
Whatnot is a fun word! I need to use it more often. 🙂
Little House books introduced me to the furniture pieces. So glad you are ok, but will pray for the family and area.
LOL, actually no, Joanne, I didn't see that last night. I must be on your brainwave, though. 😉
And thanks!
Praying for your area, and your parent and in-laws. I have to laugh at your word of choice, cuz I watched a show last night with a character where that was her "catchphrase." Wondering if you saw it too 😉