Grammar Punk Blog

cal⋅li⋅o⋅pe

   /kəˈlaɪəpi; for 1 also ˈkæliˌoʊp/ 

–noun

Also called steam organ. a musical instrument consisting of a set of harsh-sounding steam whistles that are activated by a keyboard.

in Greek mythology, the Muse of epic poetry, one of the nine Muses believed to inspire and nurture the arts.

Origin: 

1855–60, Americanism; < L < Gk Kalliópē, equiv. to kalli- calli- + op- (s. of óps) voice + -ē fem. ending

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)

Calliope is one of my all-time favorite words. I know, huh. It is a seriously cool word. The main thing I like about it is the pronunciation.  [kuh-lahy-uh-pee]. Say it out loud. 

In North America we have more or less adapted the musical instrument to the vehicle that most often employs it: the merry-go-round, carousel, the dorkiest ride at the fair. You know, the thing with all the horses that go up and down on a pole and goes around at about 1.5 MPH. 

The fact that somewhere along the way the ancient Greek word for the Muse of poetry became the word for a type of organ—arguably one of the least melodic musical instruments ever… You have to love the English language.

 S U 4

Dana began to have serious doubts about the masculinity of her date when he proclaimed the calliope too dangerous.

Now you try!