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A noddypoll may be a fool, but can a fool be wise?
Word of the week: This week’s whimsy dates back to as early as 1529 in the the writing of Tudor poet John Skelton, with one of several words for number of similar words for fools or simpletons, pertaining to those who might unthinkingly nod their head to anything
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The contrabass balalaika
Word of the week: A distinctive long-necked three-stringed lute used in traditional Russian folk and dance music with a triangular body, this instrument has short sustain with a small sound hole, so requires rapid strumming or plucking, and comes a range of sizes and tunings
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Johnson and Trump. Both deal heavily in ackamarakus, not always with success
Word of the week: It’s a rare, slang noun that could easily describe the speeches of several prominent politicians – meaningless activity just for show, deceptive nonsense and bluff. But how might it show up in song lyrics?
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The Dead Kennedys bring up a number that fits this week’s word
Word of the week: Clear your ears, but especially your throat. What word is coming up this time? An archaic term that that was in use from the late 16th to 19th centuries means to cough, from the Latin tussicus, or tussis, having that affliction
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The esraj is a four-string version of the older dilruba
Word of the Week: It has a beautifully eerily, emotional sound that echoes the human voice, that comes not from vocal chords, but from bowed strings in this instrument from southern Asia – mainly music in Sikh, Punjab and eastern Bengal culture
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