CULTURE WATCH : Fascinating Starts for Humble Words

While eliciting only a lukewarm response from most people, the ordinary has actually inspired several fascinating words and phrases.

Journeyman: In medieval times, a “journeyman” (from the Old French jornee for day ) was a competent craftsman qualified to work for a day’s wages. A journeyman was more skilled than an apprentice but not as skilled as a master craftsman, so we still call an average performer in professions ranging from writing to plumbing a “journeyman.”

Ham-and-egger: Some eggheads suggest that this term for a boxer, actor or baseball relief pitcher of so-so ability comes from middling middleweights who made just enough money from their bouts to buy breakfast. Others have cooked up the idea that it was inspired by the uninspired banality of ham and eggs as a meal. Usually, a ham-and-egger is reliable and, when brought in as a relief pitcher, will at least keep your team from going from the frying pan into the fire.

Mediocre : This word is derived from the Latin medius and ochre , literally meaning “middle of the rugged mountain.” Thus, while the outstanding U.S. leaders Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt are carved at the top of Mt. Rushmore, such passable Presidents as Van Buren, Pierce, Hayes and McKinley should be sculpted halfway up the slope.