Definition of florid

[BJCooperIT]

In the Word Of The Day on My Yahoo today:

florid​

DEFINITION: (adjective) elaborate or flamboyant.
EXAMPLE: The grand ballroom was decorated in a florid style. Years of heavy drinking had given him a florid complexion.
SYNONYMS: flowery, fancy

Can someone explain how the second example of "florid complexion" applies?

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[SantaMufasa]

Barb,

I believe that the problem is a dictionary that is satisfied with excerpts. Here is Merriam-Webster's contribution, which I believe solves the mystery:

Main Entry: flor·id
Pronunciation: 'flor-&d, 'flär-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin floridus blooming, flowery, from florEre
1 a obsolete : covered with flowers b : very flowery in style : ORNATE <florid prose> <florid declamations>; also : having a florid style <a florid writer> c : elaborately decorated <a florid interior>
2 a : tinged with red : RUDDY <a florid complexion> b : marked by emotional or sexual fervor <a florid secret life> <a florid sensibility>
3 archaic : HEALTHY
4 : fully developed : manifesting a complete and typical clinical syndrome <the florid stage of a disease>

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]

 

[gbaughma]

Tinged with red would make sense.

Heavy drinkers often have the side-effect of blood vessels breaking in their face (see the red nose on famous "drunks" like W. C. Fields).



Just my 2¢

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[2ffat]

How about "florid complexion" equals a "rosy complexion". That satisfies both the the tinged with red and flowery definitions. <Ducks and runs for cover.>


James P. Cottingham
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[Ladyazh]

Unfortunatelly for non-drinkers with rosesia (sp?)
they are also have blood vessels breaking in their face that makes their faces look like they had been drinking. Even less fortunately if paired up with a big meaty nose, beady eyes and double chin hanging over beer belly.
Stereotypes, stereotypes...

 

[SantaMufasa]

...if paired up with a big meaty nose, beady eyes and double chin hanging over beer belly...

...we call him Santa.<grin>

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]

 

[Ladyazh]

 

[SilentAiche]

hmmm...

All elf a sudden [red]"Santa's beered"[/red] makes sense...

tim


[gray] from North Carolina, home of "Chimney Rock." Honest. [/gray]

[blue]
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[SantaMufasa]

My how I've groan because of your usual tricks, Tim."

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]

 

[CajunCenturion]

Speaking of "Santa's beered"

Ho? Ho? Ho? Maine says no to Santa label

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[Ladyazh]

I just read that Santa in a local mall was held by police after one little boy complaint that he called his mom Ho.
I laughed. Shouldn't I had to?

 

[Welshbird]

Santa (or as more usually known over here 'Father Christmas') has just been sacked (ha) from Harrods.

Story here

Fee

The question should be [red]Is it worth trying to do?[/red] not [blue] Can it be done?[/blue]