ChatterBank3 mins ago
Ottoman
10 Answers
Could it be that the name often used for a footrest is also a derogatory term? (Something like 'under foot?')
Answers
Best Answer
No best answer has yet been selected by Pastor Dave. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.An upholstered sofa or divan without arms or a back.
An upholstered low seat or cushioned footstool.
A heavy silk or rayon fabric with a corded texture, usually used for coats and trimmings.
Of or relating to the Ottoman Empire or its people, language, or culture.
A Turk, especially a member of the family or tribe of Osman 1
Never heard of it used as a derogatory term though.
I don't think it would catch on somehow !
We have always been taught to hate people we are at war with, so it is possible because we were at war with the Ottoman Empire in the 1914 - 1918 war. Similar attitudes have resulted in sayings like "Dutch courage", French leave" and "Turk's head". We are of course now friendly with those countries.
There is a quote from a 17th century sermon which reads: "They do not Ottomanlike one brother kill another to reign alone."
Clearly, the preacher didn't hold them in very high esteem! Presumably, also, he expected his congregation to know about the murderous tendencies he was talking about, so they probably had anti-Turkish feelings, too.
Clearly, the preacher didn't hold them in very high esteem! Presumably, also, he expected his congregation to know about the murderous tendencies he was talking about, so they probably had anti-Turkish feelings, too.
The Ottomans weren't Arabs, they were Turks. The name itself comes from the founder - Othman/Osman - of the Turkish empire around 1300 AD.
They overran the Arab lands of the Middle East, so it is quite conceivable that the Arab equivalent of 'ottoman' would be an insult used in Arabic but there is no history of any such meaning in English whatever...even though we did fight them in WWI. (Lawrence of Arabia and all that.)
They overran the Arab lands of the Middle East, so it is quite conceivable that the Arab equivalent of 'ottoman' would be an insult used in Arabic but there is no history of any such meaning in English whatever...even though we did fight them in WWI. (Lawrence of Arabia and all that.)
pastor - as i said ottomans were not necessarily made for feet - they are padded storage boxes or seats - they can of course be used for whatever you like but that was not why they were invented.
ottoman is the name of the empire - so if you called someone it - it would be true if you were from that place.