Anti-Rain Devices

[stoutfellow]

The word "umbrella" comes from "umbra", meaning "shadow".

The word "parasol" also seems to refer to guarding oneself from the Sun.

The French word is "parapluie"; "pluie" means "rain".

Nominations are now open for an English word for this device which actually reflects its usual function. Currently used words or new coinages are acceptable.

Comments

Bumbershoot

[profitne.livejournal.com]

Seattle actually has a festival over the Labor Day Weekend with this title because you often have to have one to attend at least one of the four days of the festival.

The origins have to do with Cockney slang for Thunder according to a friend who lived in Great Britain as a child, but she could be mis-remembering.

Profitne

Re: Bumbershoot

[tygerr.livejournal.com]

I also vote for Bumbershoot. Of course, I am originally from Seattle too, so I'm prejudiced.

Re: Bumbershoot

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, according to my dictionary, "bumbershoot" is derived from "umbrella", so it doesn't qualify. It is a nice word, though.

Awning?

[p-o-u-n-c-e-r.livejournal.com]

"A roof-like structure stretched over a frame as a shelter from weather..." Comes from the same old Germanic roots as various words meaning "sharp" or pointy, which would fit when the device in the undeployed or folded state.

Better than "canopy" which comes from the Latin for "mosquito net". (But why should that stop you? )