Discussing how a Taser works reminded me of the word electrocution, which was already an old, established term by the time my parents were warning me not to stick things in the electrical socket, but which was a darkly cute portmanteau when it was coined:
Electrocution is death caused by electric shock, electric current passing through the body. The word is derived from “electro” and “execution”, but it is also used for accidental death. The word is also used to describe non-fatal injuries due to electricity. The term “electrocution,” was coined in 1889 by US newspapers just before the first use of the electric chair in 1890, originally referred only to electrical execution (from which it is a portmanteau word), and not to accidental or suicidal electrical deaths. However, since no English word was available for non-judicial deaths due to electric shock, the word “electrocution” eventually took over as a description of all circumstances of electrical death from the new commercial electricity.
Merry Christmas, Isegoria!
Unlike you I did not heed my parents warning about putting things in an electrical receptacle. At the age of 1+ I inserted metal keys, one at a time, in each slot. The delicate metal chain joining them went boom blackening my hand. I now have a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and have been an electrician for 30+ years.
Thanks Isegoria for your interesting posts which I read daily.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Borepatch! And Merry Christmas to you, too, Wan Wei Lin! I’m glad you survived your first foray into your vocation.
A Merry Christmas to us all; Gnon bless us, every one!