A Word With You
June 28th, 2010
ped·a·gogue
[ped-uh-gog, -gawg]
–noun
1.
a teacher; schoolteacher.
2.
a person who is pedantic, dogmatic, and formal.
Also, ped·a·gog .
Origin:
1350–1400; ME pedagoge < L paedagōgus < Gk paidagōgós a boy’s tutor. See ped-1 , -agogue
Now this one has always fascinated—and puzzled—me. I love a dual definition, especially when the two definitions seem to have little to nothing to do with one another. A teacher. A pedantic person. What’s that supposed to mean?! Teachers, especially those tasked with teaching grammar are fun, peppy, fabulous people!
The word began its life as a teacher of boys. Well, duh. Since it originated in the 14th century and boys were pretty much the only ones being educated…don’t get me started. But what does any of that have to do with being pedantic (too concerned with what are thought to be correct rules and details, e.g. in language)? Okay, so maybe it makes a bit more sense. And I must admit that I can be a bit on the pedantic side on occasion. All right, maybe it’s not such a huge mystery after all. Carry on.
Grammar Punk Sentence
P E 3 ( )
Standing in front of the classroom the substitute pedagogue (or substitute teacher to those of lesser gray matter) pinned the rowdy class with a pedantic scowl; they would learn soon enough that she meant business.
Give it a try! Write a Grammar Punk Sentence with at least three words that contain the letters P and E and the punctuation symbol parentheses. The sentence must also include the word pedagogue.
Write your own sentences and share!
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