16 January 2013

Rastaquouere

social climber, social upstart

1883, from Fr. rastaquouère “social intruder, upstart” (especially one of exaggerated manners and dress, from a Mediterranean or S.Amer. country), thus “dashing but untrustworthy foreigner,” from S.Amer. Sp. rastacuero “upstart.” Short form rasta attested from 1905.

Today’s aphorism

‘There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest’.

– Elie Wiesel

On this day

16 January 1945 – Adolf Hitler flees to his bunker with his long-time companion, Eva Braun. They remain there for 105 days until he takes his own life.

16 January 1979 – The Shah of Iran is forced to flee Iran following the mutiny of his Army and a revolution led by students, which resulted in the Ayatollah Khomeini taking over the leadership of the country.