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This blog is about the fascinating, fun, and challenging things about the English language. I hope to entertain you and to help you with problems or just questions you might have with spelling and usage. I go beyond just stating what is right and what is wrong, and provide some history or some tips to help you remember. Is something puzzling you? Feel free to email me at wordlady.barber@gmail.com.
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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Beware the dreaded Foosh

What is the most common cause of broken wrists? 
Thrusting out your hands to protect yourself when you fall. 
So common is this that emergency doctors have even invented a snappy acronym for "Fall On OutStretched Hand": FOOSH. It's been around since the early 90s, and I certainly hope you have no cause to hear it after venturing out on Ontario's icy sidewalks today. 
I don't know if there are any recommendations of what to do instead of sticking out your hands; it seems to me that if you don't do that you will end up with a Fall On OutStretched Nose.

1 comment:

  1. Tuck and Roll. But you have train yourself to do this without thinking about it. Take some judo lessons.

    ReplyDelete

About Me

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Canada's Word Lady, Katherine Barber is an expert on the English language and a frequent guest on radio and television. She was Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Oxford Dictionary. Her witty and informative talks on the stories behind our words are very popular. Contact her at wordlady.barber@gmail.com to book her for speaking engagements; she can tailor her talks to almost any subject. She is also available as an expert witness for lawsuits.