WORD FOR THE DAY "akimbo" (adj.) "with hand on hip and elbow extended outward." (dictionary dot com) Example: She stood in a huff, with her arms akimbo. Origin: Old Norse 1375-1425 "bent into a crook" and "accusative of."

Click on the title of the blog to access a comment screen. I welcome your feedback.

Word search for “akimbo” finds characters

Language sparks the imagination. Take the word “akimbo,” which is this writer’s “Word for the Day” item. I had only heard the word used in one way, as in, “She stood with her arms akimbo.” However, after doing a search, beyond my dictionary.com guardian, I’ve discovered that many people have moved beyond the definition and into creation.

The creative insight of “Papa Redcloud” was my introduction into the possibilities of using a word like “akimbo.” Up popped the website www.lanceandeskimo.com/guest/akimbo.shtml , and I read “Papa’s” words, “A subject never comes up in oral discourse that would require its (akimbo’s) use.” I’d agree. I’ve never said it, and I’ve never heard it in conversation. I HAVE read it, but always in the context of “arms akimbo.” Papa notes, too, that this adjective is applied specifically to the arms, hence the definition, “with hands on hips and elbows extended.” His opinion also covers the gender of the arms – female – since rarely, if ever, do people talk about a guy’s hips. “It’s a ‘girl thing,’ this ‘akimbo,’” says Papa, the blogger. It’s also a “standing thing.” Attitudinal. Hard to flash attitude when you’re sitting down. So, in Papa’s mind, there’s only one way the word “akimbo” can be used – by a standing female giving someone else the business.

Au contraire. I happened upon another way the word “akimbo” is used – “Limbs Akimbo.” That is the name of the album and title song by the band Hot Buttered Rum. Check their site at http://www.hotbutteredrum.net/index.php/music/limbs-akimbo and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hotbutteredrum. The five musicians, hailing from San Fran, are accomplished and describe their sound as “Americana, folk, and bluegrass.” The song “Limbs Akimbo” is mellow, reggae, and with a calypso beat. (Of course, I’m not a true musician; so, I’d suggest you have a listen to the sample on their site.) Coming from a folk singing background, I like their sound, harmonies, and they’re articulate.

Now, for a study in contrast, listen to the Seattle band “Akimbo” and their piece “Great White Bull” at http://www.myspace.com/akimbo. This trio is classic rock, hardcore, and punk. The sound is very hard driving, heavily amped, and the words are largely inarticulate. Of course, words don’t matter so much with this genre, since it’s mostly the experience and decibel level that are important. Listening, I can imagine a great white bull tearing up the concert venue, tossing tattoo-ed rockers over its head, stomping tables to toothpicks, and angrily lapping brew from a few mangled spigots.

Now imagine that great white bull’s name is … you guessed it, “Akimbo.” He hails from just north of Avon in Central Minnesota, and he is a poser. (Can you picture “hooves akimbo”?) Akimbo likes to play Air Guitar because he has no other innate talents other than a loud snort and the ability to get friendly with the gals. Often, you can find him striking a pose at First Ave. Akimbo usually dances by himself because the vegetarians in the room won’t be caught dead touching a side of beef. This bovine doesn’t have tattoos, but he does have a big brand “X” on his back flank. As I mentioned previously, he likes his Bud, but has trouble finding a designated driver because it’s not yet State Fair time. So, he’s got to watch his behavior when he’s out kickin’ up his heels. No china shops. No laughing cows. But, for all of his faults, the crowds do seem to like Akimbo. He’s got a thick hide and doesn’t rile that easily (unless you’re wearing red). And, if the show’s good, Akimbo may demonstrate his appreciation by packing up and hauling the equipment to the band bus. Yep. He can be a good ol' Joe, that Akimbo.

Well, enough about "akimbo." Send me your findings and ideas, and we’ll keep this thing going …