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Lovatts Word of the Day

conniptions

"It's the kind of massive amnesty that would send the Daily Express into conniptions."

A conniption is a fit of violent emotion, such as anger or panic.  You can have more than one conniption as in the quote above, or you can have a conniption fit.
It first showed up in English around 1833 in USA and was defined in the 1848 Dictionary of American English as "a fainting fit," a common 19th century reaction to stress, especially among the ladies.
The Oxford Dictionary has 'unknown origin' for conniption but it may have been a variation of or a euphemism for 'corruption' in the antiquated sense of 'anger' or 'temper.' This sense is found in Anne Bronte's 1848 Tenant of Wildfell Hall: "I am no angel, and my corruption rises against it." This sense of corruption meant  'the evil side' or weaknesses of human nature.



 

Christine's Mailbag


We love receiving feedback from our readers and truly value your opinions.
If you'd like to get in touch with Christine and perhaps feature on our website or in one of our popular magazines, please complete the form below.

If you'd like to share a creative offering (i.e. story, poem or puzzle idea) with fellow puzzlers, you can also make a submission on our Readers World page which you can visit by clicking here . And not far down the track we'll have our very own magazine forum where you can converse in real-time with like-minded Lovatts fans. Stay tuned...

Please note: Christine reads all mail, however because of the sheer volume she receives, is unable to reply to every letter. Rest assured, your efforts in getting in touch and continuing loyalty are greatly appreciated.

 


"Hi and congrats on the new puzzles - Sudoclue and Cluedoku, our Thursday night "club" enjoyed them a lot. We look forward to harder ones in the future. The crosswords are great as well we sit around the table working on the Demon, Pop words and of course the Stinker. They all stretch our knowledge. Once again many thanks for all your work."

Roxanne English, Dalby, Qld


“ We are madly trying to budget, but my partner knows I will give up anything except for you! Thank you for all the hours of enjoyment you have given me and will continue to give me. Best wishes to all in the Lovatts team. You are fantastic.”

Amanda Howell, Bega, NSW


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"I've been doing all your puzzle books for the past 10 years or so to keep my mind sharp while battling the crippling mental disorder Bipolar.

I couldn't work or care for my kids or even exist somedays and your puzzles were my only joy.

I have since recouped, am back at work and loving my life again so I decided to spoil myself and subscribed a couple of months ago to my favourite Lovatts and lo and behold I won $100 last week.

Just wanted you all to know what a difference you've made to one person's life."

Kindest Regards,
Tracy Ann Mills 05/04/2007

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