The first Wednesday of December is a bit wackier than others. Continuing our list of old English insult words, we have one that was coined by William Shakespeare. Fustilarian could have been a variation of Fustylugs but was likely intended to mean someone who stubbornly wastes time on worthless things. It can be found in “Henry IV, Part 2.” Falstaff exclaims, “Away, you scullion! You rampallion! You fustilarian! I’ll tickle your catastrophe.” Our next word is an old Scottish word. Gillie-Wet-Foot refers to a swindling businessman, or someone who gets into debt and then flees. I think we all know someone like that.
We start our holidays with our token food holiday. Today is National Fritters Day and if you’re not familiar with the term, it’s just about anything deep fried. It could be fruit or cheese and this delicacy is found in almost every part of the world. Today is also National Mutt Day which encourages people to celebrate mixed breed dogs. Mutts get two days of the year, not only December 2, but also July 31 is National Mutt Day. National Special Education Day celebrates the anniversary of the nation’s first federal special education law. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law on December 2, 1972.
They Wednesday following Thanksgiving every year is National Package Protection Day. The Wednesday after Thanksgiving reminds everyone to watch out for package theft, which becomes more and more prevalent during the holidays. Everyone has heard about people stealing Amazon packages, and it’s certain to pick up as people have gifts delivered. If you can’t always be home to watch out for packages, try asking a neighbor to hold onto it for you.
James Pack 