Re: USAGE: plunk/plank

Tristan Alexander McLeay wrote:

> The word in question is 'plunk' or 'plank', we pronounce it /plAnk/ (or
> /plVnk/). It's a thing put on a table that you put hot things onto so that
> you don't damage the table or similar. As far as I can tell, it's just
> used by my family---what is the normal word for it?
>
> There are two possible derivations: either from a Dutch word (possibly
> dialectal) or immitative. My mother's first language was a dialect of
> Dutch and there are a few words that have been borrowed into my family's
> speech from Dutch. Dad (who's only language is English) can't think of
> another word for it, which suggests that either there *isn't* a normal
> word for it or that it's immitative (one plunks the plunk/plank onto the
> table and it makes a sort of plunky noise). Would any of the Dutch
> speakers be able to enlighten me?
"Plank" is a very common Dutch word for a wooden board. It is also commonly
used for wooden plates (food plates). We always put "planken" on the table
before setting hot pans on it. In this use, we normally say "houten plank",
where "houten" means 'wooden'.

Maarten