Today's word is a little more straightforward than usual, but honestly, I couldn't help but share it despite my inability to drone on about it like I can other words. So, enjoy the sweet simplicity of costermonger.
Costermonger | ˈkɒstəmʌŋɡə: noun: A person who sells goods, especially fruit and vegetables, from a handcart in the street
The reason I felt the need to share this word is because of the uniqueness of it and how it applies to the settings I typically write my fiction in. It's little words like this one that really make the world begin to feel real.
Imagine for a moment - you're in a fantasy world in a time period relative to the medieval era of our world. As you enter a new city, crossing the shadow of a mighty gateway, the portcullis settled high above you, the sounds begin to trickle towards your ears. First, you may hear the hooves of the horses just in front of you and the rolling of the wheels of moving cars that dip into a nearby pothole in the cobblestone road. Then, as you get closer, the sounds of business begin to drown out anything else.
All around you, there are carts and shops set up along the streets, and people are all shouting over each other to get the next traveler to come to their stalls to look at trinkets for visiting. As you make your way towards the nearby inn for some much-needed rest while you begin your new life, you decide to stop at a vibrant fruit cart to buy a piece for a copper. The costermonger grins at you, missing a couple of teeth, but beaming with so much pure joy because you just made his day.
Costermonger | kä-stər-ˌməŋ-gər: noun: a hawker of fruit or vegetables
As there is only one definition for the word here, naturally, today's example reviews that exact use. Like my own works, the world in the A Song of Ice and Fire series is designed for a more medieval setting. It's only natural that costermongers be found at various locations within the world.
"The Imp opened his throat with a dagger," a costermonger declared at the roadside in where they spent the night.
This is, of course, simply a rumor spread by what's most often referred to as the "smallfolk." The particular chapter that this sentence originates was written in Jaime Lannister's point of view, in reference to King Joffery, who at this point has already perished. It just goes to show you how twisted the truth can really get.
Well, I suppose I did drone on a little, but I do enjoy mixing things up a little. It re-invigorates my enjoyment of doing these articles. And I can only hope that you enjoyed today's journey as much as I did. Have any more fun and interesting words for me? Let me know about them, and until tomorrow, happy reading!
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