Mark J. Reed wrote:
> On 9/7/07, R A Brown <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
>>But as I understand it, 'strumming' does not involve the use of a
>>plectrum.
> 
> 
> That's not my understanding at all.  If you sweep the pick across
> multiple strings, that's just as much "strumming" as if you do so with
> your hand. 

Is it? I was obviously misled by the dictionary definition. So basically 
'strumming' is sweeping across multiple strings with or without a pick?

I think the Latin word I suggested _pulsare_ would leave the matter open.
-----------------------------------------

R A Brown wrote:
[snip]
 > _pulsare_ might be a suitable verb - and "fidiculam pulsando" has the
 > right number of syllables. Unfortunately, altho the three heavy syllable
 > of "pulsando" make a nice match for "old banjo", the -am at the end of
 > "fidiculam" is awkward. This heavy syllable is not a good equivalent of
 > the unstressed English 'the' - also, the prose word stress of 'fidicula'
 > is on the second syllable -di- and, in this instance, that would not be
 > good. We need something corresponding in rhythm to "strummin'" and,
 > sadly, 'fidi-' /fI'dI/ does not.
 >
 > Oh well, back to the drawing board.

It occurred to me after sending this, that instead of using the ablative 
of the gerund, one could make the thing a clause using _dum_ with the 
present indicative,i.e. strummin' on the old guitar ---> while he strums 
on the old guitar. This gives:

_dum fidiculam pulsat_

..which fits the rhythm of the English original (Yes, yes, I know it 
means a secondary stress on the heavy syllable -am - but that is surely 
permissible).

-- 
Ray
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Nid rhy hen neb i ddysgu.
There's none too old to learn.
[WELSH PROVERB]