Always loved the -aster pejorative suffix in Latin (and its descendants in the Romance languages). Couldn't find an etymology for it in a quick look over in the usual places. Hmm. Found another Latin entry, Antoniaster, though.
Posted by jim at September 25, 2003 03:07 PMAnd of course the noxious weed, the asteraster, not really a pretty flower at all.
Posted by Zizka at September 25, 2003 07:12 PMOh, now you've made me lose half and hour scrolling through the online OED's search results for *aster. In among the concertmasters and the breakfasters, I've found my new favorite -aster: the complementaster.
By the way, this is a mighty fine blog you have here. Mighty fine.
Posted by KF at September 26, 2003 01:45 AMWho's been tasting poe?
Posted by Anthony at September 26, 2003 02:57 AMDis-aster? Someone who is very poor at dissing, but tries anyway?
Posted by Zizka at September 26, 2003 11:38 AM