iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 26m

A little blurry today but it's windy out there (my excuse and I'm sticking to it). An aster in a pot at my back door. My mother would call these Michaelmas daisies which makes sense as that church feast (the Feast of the Archangels) falls on the 29th of September. #bloomscrolling

purple aster bloom, closeup, with foliage behind

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Reposted by Grace Tierney

Hildur Knútsdóttir @hildur.bsky.social · 5h

The Icelandic word for psychologist is "sálfræðingur". It literally means "soul expert". For short we call them "sáli" or "soulie".

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 6h

A serious event, blood was shed, but honestly I know I would have been one of the women mentioned who basically ran off with free cheese.

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 22h

"Words the Weather Gave Us" is coming next month (eek!). A feast of unusual words, weather lore, and historic weather straight from my desk to yours. If you want to be the first to read it, then check out the pre-order for the Kindle edition at www.amazon.com/dp/B0HJHVHC5... #etymology #booksky 📚💙🌦️☔

Be ther First to Read my new release - Words the Weather Gave Us by Grace Tierney - kindle pre-order for 9th of November (a gift to Future You) or wait for the paperback and hardback editions

The rather messy desk of a writer, complete with chart of weather superstitions and inspirational painting of a stormy seascape and coastal sunrise.

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

“Seriously? How much effort have you put into planning this weekend, Nina?” “Listen, I plan events for a living, Alex. It’s about time I used my superpowers for good.” “Ah yes, my very own Super Librarian,” he said and pulled me in for a kiss. #1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary"

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Romantic Kiss in Library

Alt: Romantic Kiss in Library

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Wonderful idea for crossword lovers (cruciverbalists)!

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#onthisday 935, death of Good King Wenceslas. #etymology / #history 🧵 Wenceslas is a boys’ name which came to English from Medieval Latin Venceslaus and Old Czech Veceslavü which translates as “having greater glory”.

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good king wenceslas

Alt: good king wenceslas handwriting animation

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

My cyclamen, in a pot by the back door, is in bloom now. This is its third home, starting with my late Aunt Eithne who gave some to my late mother, and now it thrives with me. I love inter-generational gardening and think of them both when it blossoms. #bloomscrolling

Pale pink cyclamen bloom closeup in a terracota pot

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Suzanne Fagence Cooper @suzannefagence.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

A lovely page of leafy doodles made by William Morris in a dull committee meeting, at the William Morris Society. A little bit of joy for @silverpebble2.bsky.social this evening x

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The preorder for "Words the Weather Gave Us" is now open so if you want a copy to drop onto your Kindle on release day, you can order at www.amazon.com/dp/B0HJHVHC5.... Then meet Hector the Cloud, find diamond rain, and unfurl your bumbershoot. #booksky #weather #etymology

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Happy Book Birthday to "Words Christmas Gave Us"! My first hardback and in-person book launch. I adored researching the worldwide Christmas traditions and the elaborate stories behind carols. A perfect festive gift for the word geek in your life. Buy links at wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/

Here's to Another Year of being a Great Book - Words Christmas Gave Us by Grace Tierney - red and white cover with snowflake motif

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

My attempt to be mysterious had failed somewhat by the time we’d reached the fifth floor and I was regretting not noticing that the place didn’t have an elevator, but we arrived, finally, at the door to the top floor apartment. #1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary"

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

A romantic chapter for "The Librarian's Secret Diary" this week as Nina brings her Inter Library Loan Guy away for a mystery weekend. Even librarians need to leave the library sometimes! Subscribe and read at channillo.com/series/the-l... #librarylife #irishfiction #serial

channillo.com

The Librarian's Secret Diary

<p>Nina is the new librarian on the block. She’s learning the shelves with her buzzword-spouting boss and the senior librarian who hates reading and can’t wait to retire. She records the crazy reader ...

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

#ReviewersWanted "Words the Weather Gave Us" 330 words from apricity to zephyr, when weather changed history, folklore, forecasting, trivia. #etymology #weather #history #bookreviewers Advance review copies (digital) available now worldwide - chat/comment if you're interested. Thanks! 📚💙

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Peanuts: Linus Immersed in Books

Alt: Linus surrounded by books and reading

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Orkney Library & Archive @orkneylibrary.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Today is #HobbitDay because Bilbo and Frodo Baggins were both born on September 22nd. Normally we'd shire a hobbit pun or two but it might just feel like a tolkien gesture and we don't want to embarrass our elves. Anyway it's a good day to come and boromir #Tolkien books. 📚

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

This week on the Wordfoolery blog I explore the word history of being drenched and I reveal the cover for "Words the Weather Gave Us" - coming in November and available for ebook pre-order now. Hope you like the bright sunny cover? wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2026/09/21/w... #etymology #Weather ☀️📚🌧️🌪️❄️

wordfoolery.wordpress.com

Weather Book Cover and the History of Being Drenched

Hello, I’m pleased to announce that “Words the Weather Gave Us”, the fourth book in my Words series, is now available for pre-order (the ebook edition) and hence the cover is out …

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

This week's dusty gem from the Wordfoolery archives is Whiffler which I wrote about in 2017 - a very useful occupation and it reminded me of "The Princess Bride". Enjoy! wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2017/04/10/i... #etymology

wordfoolery.wordpress.com

I need a Whiffler in my Life

Hello, This week’s word is whiffler, a suggestion from Cliodna Johnston, and it’s a good one. Whiffler has two meanings, one historic and one that’s in current use. I’ll sta…

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Happy #TalkLikeAPirateDay. I wish I was the Dread Pirate Roberts but I'm probably more like....what's a pirate's favourite subject in school? Aaaaaaaarrrrt 🏴‍☠️ If you need help with words - check out the pirate chapter in "Words the Sea Gave Us" 😉🦜 amzn.to/2D3bSi7

Channeling my inner pirate at the National Maritime Museum, Dun Laoghaire, Ireland

Words the Sea Gave Us by Grace Tierney (with pirate duck, seaglass and a Galway Hooker - that's a boat btw - out now in paperback and ebook

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I seed-save evening primrose every year and this is why. The first ones bloomed in June, it's now September and they're still going. Plus, the small birds perch on the dry stalks like acrobats and eat the seeds all winter. Perfect annual #bloomscrolling

closeup of evening primrose bloom - 4 heart shaped yellow petals

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Happy #ReadAnEbookDay! All of my books are available on #Kindle (and some on #Kobo), but of course other books are available too. So handy for when you're traveling and nobody can shame you about the size of your To Be Read Pile 📚📚📚 Buy links at wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/

The Wordfoolery books on a series of phones, ready to read - Words Christmas Gave Us, Words the Vikings Gave Us, Words the Sea Gave Us, and How To Get Your Name in the Dictionary - all by Grace Tierney and out on Kindle (and paperback too)

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Dr Danny Bate @dannybate.com · 17/09/2026

Greetings from inside Perugia's vast 3rd-century BC Etruscan well – called a pozzo in Italian, from puteus in Latin. Puteus passed at an early point into the emerging Germanic languges, becoming pytt in Old English, which gives us the word 'pit' today.

The interior of a large and deep stone well, with a short glass bridge across it

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Mary dropped her bag and jacket on a chair and bent over to the computer screen. “Hello, you two, lovely to see you on a big screen. The others are on their way. What did you make of the book? Did you finish it? I thought it was a bit of a slog myself.” #1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary"

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Friends Join & Laugh on Zoom Call

Alt: friends goofing around on a zoom call

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The new episode of "The Librarian's Secret Diary" is now live on Channillo. Nina and the Bailey Bookworms work out a way to include Sally and Basil at their meetings, and it all ends in the pub, as usual. Subscribe and read at channillo.com/series/the-l... #serialfiction #librarylife

channillo.com

The Librarian's Secret Diary

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I'll be on LMFM today at 12:30, chatting with Orlaith Carmody about the history of words. This month we're nattering about abecederian, avocado, escalator, uthceare, and our mystery word is collywoggle. Don't worry, I'll explain how to pronounce them all! Listen live or online at lmfm.ie. #etymology

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Wordfoolery Whispers is out on Fri 18th September. Words the Weather Gave Us, snag a review copy, plus Blog Highlights, Good Books and histories for eedle doddle, ultracrepidarian, joblijocks, and avocado. Subscribe at wordfoolerywhispers.subscribepage.io & remember to confirm email. #etymology

Wordfoolery Whispers is out This Friday, plus Wordfoolery jester doll in red green and yellow motley complete with bells

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

#OnThisDay 2021 I launched "Words the Vikings Gave Us" onto the seas. It traces the huge influence of Old Norse (and modern Scandi words) on the English language. Perfect for #Viking fans everywhere and a total joy to write - from akimbo to yule. How to Buy wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/

Words the Vikings Gave Us by Grace Tierney - green and white cover with long ship motif, with scandi-flags and viking beads. Out now in paperback and ebook editions.

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Today word from the Wordfoolery archives is mugwump - one I wrote about in 2017, but still totally relevant today and in use since the 1880s. Enjoy! wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2020/12/14/a... #etymology #politicalwords #AmericanEnglish

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

This week the Japanese anemones in my graveled front garden are bobbing their heads, such a pure white. Original plan was for all Japanese plants there but the acer couldn't handle the wind & the bamboo went nuts. Glad I kept these in place, from my Dad's garden. #bloomscrolling

Japanese anemone - closeup of white 6 petals and yellow centre

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Reposted by Grace Tierney

Michael Broussard @michaelbroussard.myatproto.social · 10/09/2026

Use AltText. It's the kind thing to do and it makes BlueSky more accessible for everyone. And actually describe the image you're posting in the AltText. To get reminded every time you post, go to settings>Accessibility>Require AltText. :)

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Linda declared she didn’t understand science so the planning became my job. I tried pointing out that making a cake rise involved chemistry, and measuring ingredients used maths, but she may have realised I tempt her by shoe-horning baking into every task. #1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary" 📚

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Chef Pingu Baking in the Kitchen

ALT: Chef Pingu Baking in the Kitchen

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Today is #ReadABookDay. That's every day in my life and today I'm enjoying "The Weirdstone of Brisingamen" by Alan Garner, a 1960s fantasy book for kids. If you've fallen out of the habit consider re-reading one you loved in the past, or popping in your local #library. #booksky 📚💙 #amreading

A scattering of open books with moody lighting - actually a store display in IKEA

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

My blue agapanthus, scattered throughout my garden since I split a clump 2 years ago, are thriving. Tall, dramatic, long-lasting, and pretty seed-heads for winter. The other day I caught this butterfly enjoying them (to my surprise as the blooms aren't native). #butterfly #bloomscrolling

Close up of blue agapanthus bloom with a white butterfly with black wing-tips and a single black spot on each wing

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

“I’m not sure about working to order, or working for my sister for that matter, but you know Kitty. She doesn’t take No for an answer. Of course she wants a man with his shirt off on the front, it’s not exactly challenging," said Beth. #1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary

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Person Holding Old Dusty Book

ALT: Person Holding Old Dusty Book

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Happy #ReadaNewBook Month! As somebody who reads books every month, this one makes me laugh. But yes, September is a fine month to read. Everybody loves words, pirates, vikings, and Christmas folklore, right? All details at wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/ #amreading #booksky

The Wordfoolery books on a bookshelf - Words Christmas Gave Us, Words the Vikings Gave Us, Words the Sea Gave Us, How to Get your Name in the Dictionary - all by Grace Tierney and all out in paperback and ebook (hardback too for the Christmas One).

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Gary Panton @garypanton.co.uk · 01/09/2026

HEDGELEY IS BACK. And he's brought with him the dance craze that is going to sweep the nation.

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Happy Book Birthday to "Words the Sea Gave Us" which launched in 2020. It was a delight to explore the wordy side of all things nautical from ark to skyscrapers. I'm proud to have helped readers to talk like #pirates. Aaarrr! Details of all my books - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/ #etymology

Here's to Another Year of Being a Great Book - "Words the Sea Gave Us" by Grace Tierney - out now in ebook and paperback editions.

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The latest episode of my cosy #library #serial is now live on Channillo - a bit late due to tech issues on their side. This week Nina the librarian has to forgive somebody, after advice from her crazy senior librarian. channillo.com/series/the-l... #irishfiction

channillo.com

The Librarian's Secret Diary

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fravery.bsky.social @fravery.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Jeff Stanford

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

#OnThisDay 79 AD, eruption of Vesuvius in southern Italy which destroyed the cities of Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum - which reminds me of the etymology of volcano. Volcanos are named for Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and metalworking.

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Dramatic Volcano Eruption

ALT: Dramatic Volcano Eruption

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Grace Tierney @wordfoolery.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

This week on Wordfoolery I look at brand names that became words in the dictionary, especially the #escalator. The tale of how the Otis lift company lost control of a word. wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2026/08/24/e... #etymology

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酉年お正月あけましておめでとう

ALT: 酉年お正月あけましておめでとう

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