13 July 2016
gormless
[gawrm-lis]
adjective, Chiefly British Informal.
1. lacking in vitality or intelligence; stupid, dull, or clumsy.
Origin of gormless
1880-1890; respelling of earlier gaumless
Dictionary.com
adj.
c.1746, “wanting sense,” a British dialectal word, from gome “notice, understanding” (c.1200), from Old Norse gaumr “care, heed,” of unknown origin; + -less.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Example
The genius of William Shakespeare was unfolded to 35 gormless adolescents.
Her gormless expression was a sub-conscious reaction to her date’s tedious and self-serving drivel.
Anagram
mrs ogles
gross elm
Today’s quote
Yes, I guess you could say I am a loner, but I feel more lonely in a crowed room with boring people than I feel on my own.
– Henry Rollins
On this day
13 July 1863 – the New York Draft Riots – three days of rioting by opponents of conscription. President Abraham Lincoln had enacted the draft to boost military numbers during the American Civil War. Most opponents were working-class men who resented that the rich could pay $300 to hire a substitute in their place. By the time the rioters were suppressed, there were 120 civilians dead and 2000 injured. Considered to be the worst anti-draft riots in US history.
13 July 1985 – Bob Geldof and Midge Ure organise and stage the Live Aid Concert. The concert was held simultaneously in London, UK, and Philadelphia, USA, to raise money to fight famine in Ethiopia. Similar concerts were performed across the globe in solidarity with Live Aid. The Live Aid concerts were broadcast live to an estimated audience of 1.9 billion people across 150 nations. An estimated £150 million was raised. Some of the world’s biggest musical acts participated, including Elton John, Boomtown Rats, Dire Straits, Mick Jagger, Neil Young, Sting, U2, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Joan Baez, BB King, Paul McCartney, The Who, Black Sabbath, Eric Clapton, Status Quo, Sade, ‘Crosby, Stills & Nash’, George Thorogood, Madonna, Duran Duran, Bob Dylan, and a host of others.