kasmekktur

Icelandic

Etymology

Coined by the Icelandic author Halldór Laxness from the epic novel Sjálfstætt fólk ("Independent People") when describing weather conditions. From kas- from kös ("a heap") + mekktur ("with a mane"), from the noun makki ("mane").[1]

Adjective

kasmekktur m (feminine kasmekkt, neuter kasmekkt)

  1. probably signifying a thick heap of clouds, reminding of a horse's mane
    • Sjálfstætt fólk ("Independent People") by Halldór Laxness
      Hann var kasmekktur á Bláfjöll, með brunagaddi og hægu skafroki, fé á innistöðu.
      He was thick clouded at Bláfjöll, with a very strong frost and drifting winds, and livestock in the house.

References

  1. Icelandic Web of Science: Hvað er þetta 'kas' þegar konur eru kasólettar? (“What does the kas in kasólettur mean?”)
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