Reign/Rain Terror
Hello Friend,
I’m back from a fabulous-horrid trip to India. Fabulous because the people of India were so lovely and the area we visited (Kerala) beautiful. Horrid because my head decided it was the perfect time for some migraine days, sending me home early. But I’m back, and my head is mostly settled now, so that’s good.
This week’s reels are posted at the bottom, but first…
This week’s TV binge: The Pitt is back, baby. I just wish they had dropped all the episodes at once.
This week’s most loved item: While in India, I was touting the many features of my carry-on backpack. Clam shell opening, expandable, fits under seat if needed, luggage pass-through belt, adjustable sternum straps. And did I mention it’s only $25? I don’t get a kickback on this, by the way, so all the praise is legit.
This week’s rabbit hole: It is a reign of terror, but you rain terror (well, you don’t, but apparently others like to). Why the reign/rain difference?
With “a reign of terror,” you’re talking about a particular period of royal authority, so reign makes sense. That one’s easy.
But in “rain terror,” you’re actually saying there is a downpour of terror, so rain is the better choice. If you get rid of the word terror, the construction is natural. The song isn’t “It’s reigning men,” but “It’s raining men.”
But here’s where it gets tricky. Until about 1960, the phrase “reign terror” was more common than “rain terror.” Why???
Apparently, the phrase started as a play on words of The Reign of Terror (that nasty period from the French Revolution). But over time, the joke was lost, and proper word usage won. Womp-womp.
Okay, it’s reel time. Click on photo to play.
This week, forget helping me. Help others. However and wherever you can. Here are a few suggestions if you’re coming up blank.
RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services)
National Immigrant Justice Center
Immigration Justice Campaign