The German "autark" is so common, but I don't know when I last heard "autarkic" spoken in English.

Many thanks for that. I replied to you before reading your suggestion!
Still thinking.
Eileen

Could anybody help with an English word for the noise Velcro makes when opening? Rip doesn't quite sound right.
In German it's Ratsch.
Thank you in advance,
Eileen Opiolka

At least shorter than the German Lumpenproletariat, but just as unpleasant.

We still keep our tea in a tea caddy, but other than that I seldom see the word, apart from golf caddies of course.

I see this was discussed in the past, but can't see it in the dictionary. Perhaps as an example of a euphemism?

I couldn't see this in the Dictionary, to my surprise. The word came to mind after a day with our boisterous young granddaughter.

Thank you, Slava, for your intersting reply, and all your interesting contributions over the years. As for high-falutin', I like the possible etymology suggested by the OED: ORIGIN Perh. from high adjective + fluting pres. pple of flute verb.] I agree with your preference for phlebotomist. Perhaps t...

Yesterday I discovered that the nurses taking blood from donors are now called venepuncturists. That reminded me of the word highfalutin.
No offence meant!

Looking at my spices, I realised cloves come from garlic as well as from the Syzygium, a lovely Scrabble word. Two quite separate etymologies, I gather. Cloven skies and cloven hoofs all come to mind.

A myterious word indeed. The Scottish Gaelic is just a mysterious: cù.

May I pass on the text on a recent greetings card received: Cat lovers will appreciate it.

Dogs have masters; cats have staff.

Thinking of special offers and big hearts, I wondered if this word has come up before.
Eileen Opiolka

Surprised to find that I couldn't find this word here. Or have I not looked in the right places?

Two words here, but as I set my neighbour's said deterrent, the etymology alarm started ticking for both.

My OED sheds no real light on the etymology of banter. I wonder if you can. To me, it sounds more Irish than London street slang.
Hopefully,
Eileen