Word histories / word mysteries

[Bonsai Nut]

Was writing a post today and started thinking about the definition of the word "sapling". I had never thought about it before, but a "sapling" is a tree that is so young it only has sapwood - i.e. has not begun to develop heartwood yet.

I'm sure there are tons of other interesting words we use in horticulture that have curious / interesting histories.

 

[Anthony]

Besom and Bole

 

[Starfox]

Covfefe:​

Meaning: An ancient term used in bonsai circles meaning "to grow out an underdeveloped tree(a stick in a pot)"

Used in a sentence: Nice little Boxwood you have there, with a little covfefe you shall have a nice trunk with movement.
Covfefe.

 

[Rambles]

Covfefe:​

Meaning: An ancient term used in bonsai circles meaning "to grow out an underdeveloped tree(a stick in a pot)"

Used in a sentence: Nice little Boxwood you have there, with a little covfefe you shall have a nice trunk with movement.
Covfefe.

From the ancient hittite "koviffi," which loosely transiliterates as "Give it time and stop futzing with it."