margaret caulfield Jan 1, 2010:

Dear Richard, By no means was I referring to you, believe me! If you look at the answers, I'm sure you'll soon see what I was referring to. Not to worry... it's New Year's Day, so we should enjoy it!

Richard Boulter Jan 1, 2010:

Agree. I agree with Margaret about the sarcasm, and I certainly didn't intend any, myself.

margaret caulfield Jan 1, 2010:

P.S. I also don't see any need at all for sarcasm, here or in any question/answer. We all make mistakes and it's no big deal!! Sometimes, if we're open-minded, we actually manage to learn things.

margaret caulfield Jan 1, 2010:

Happy New Year, Cinnamon and Richard! Cinnamon, I saw the sarcasm, obviously, but in my home town we say that "sarcasm is the lowest form of wit". It seems to me, we're right! I know "sprout" exists as a noun, but I do not think it is feasible at all in this case, especially nowadays.

Richard Boulter Jan 1, 2010:

Sprouts & Shoots Since the context is 'trees', I see Margaret's objection to 'sprouts' as a noun; I've seem it used often in terms of truck farm products like 'brussel sprouts' in noun form. Over all, we have some good input from various points of view, which I appreciate. I enjoy participating in KudoZ discussions as part of my own continuing education and to help adult, professionally minded and considerate colleagues (a reason that one sees few of my comments on the TranslatorsCafe term queries). Thanks, Cinnamon Nolan, for a measured response to a bit 'flaming' around our community. My regards and Happy New Year to all. :)

Cinnamon Nolan Jan 1, 2010:

'Sprout' is also a noun Arrigo was trying to be sarcastic, but lost the effect without the comma between 'Webster' and 'genius'. To be a genius, one should keep punctuation in mind. :->
Main Entry: 2sprout
Function: noun - Date: 13th century
1 a : shoot 1a; especially : a young shoot (as from a seed or root.
http://m-w.com/dictionary/sprouts
And Happy New Year, Margaret!

margaret caulfield Dec 31, 2009:

Arrigo, Is there a dictionary called the "Merriam-Webster genius"? If so, I can't find it. Perhaps you could tell me how to. I've often used the "Merriam-Webster" one, but I've never heard of this one!!