Saturday night. Flying on an airplane to Arizona to visit my dad’s family. Feeling just about as sick as I can be (though my flu can’t compare to that my roommate or grandma had). Surrounded by screaming babies (I think they strategically place all of them at the back of the plane). Couple behind me speaking only in words that drip with violence and sacarasm.
I am tired, ehausted really. I am worn down from the noise. It is dark and I as I lay in my coach-class chair, I look up to see this word: “lavatories.” Interesting, really. I know what lava is…red stuff that comes out from volcanoes when they erupt. I even think I know what a torie is: a person who was loyal to the British during the War for Independence. But a lavatory? I don’t know the etymology of that one. Can anyone help me?
Well, if you’re wondering…I got of the plane, deciding that should I ever marry I will pray that I communicate in loving ways, thankful for the peace and quiet of life with two feet on the ground. I got my suitcase, and now I’m enjoying the warm AZ sun. Merry Christmas!
sara
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December 18, 2006 at 9:36 pm
Aaron S.
Sara,
I know you will not be too thrilled with the meaning of “lavatory”. It is not nearly as exciting as I had hoped. I was hoping for some great parallel or illustration for a sermon someday. However, here is what I found:
Lavatory:
The term lavatory, abbreviated in slang to lav, derives from the Latin lavÄ?tÅ?rium, which in turn comes from Latin lavÄ?re, to wash. It used to refer to a vessel for washing, such as a sink/wash basin, and thus came to mean a room with washing vessels. Since these rooms often also contain toilets, the meaning evolved into its current one, namely the polite and formal euphemism for a toilet and the room containing it. Lavatory is the common signage for toilets on commercial airlines around the world.
Have fun in Arizona!
Aaron
December 21, 2006 at 3:46 am
Saralynn
Thanks Aaron! As soon as I reaad that I was like, “Duh!” Spanish: Lavarse!
Merry Christmas-
sara