1. John Calligan

    John Calligan Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2015
    Messages:
    1,479
    Likes Received:
    1,683

    Hearthfire

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by John Calligan, Apr 14, 2018.

    is this actually a word? Does it mean “a fire in a fireplace?”
     
  2. DeeDee

    DeeDee Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2018
    Messages:
    562
    Likes Received:
    418
    :read: No. Yes.
     
  3. izzybot

    izzybot (unspecified) Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2015
    Messages:
    2,419
    Likes Received:
    3,884
    Location:
    SC, USA
    Well, it's an expansion for Skyrim ... :D

    I'm pretty sure it's not a 'real' word, but people would probably know what you were communicating if you used it, so I think it's fine if that's the question.
     
  4. John Calligan

    John Calligan Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2015
    Messages:
    1,479
    Likes Received:
    1,683
    Maybe I thought it was a word because I played Skyrim? IDK

    This is the line in question: The strange flicker of shadows cast by the candles and hearthfire reminded him of the first night he spent in Oak’s grove.
     
  5. big soft moose

    big soft moose An Admoostrator Admin Staff Supporter Contributor Community Volunteer

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2016
    Messages:
    22,569
    Likes Received:
    25,885
    Location:
    East devon/somerset border
    its a combination of two words like 'hellfire' or 'campfire' - I wouldn't worry about using it as its perfectly clear what you mean
     
    John-Wayne and John Calligan like this.
  6. Cave Troll

    Cave Troll It's Coffee O'clock everywhere. Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2015
    Messages:
    17,922
    Likes Received:
    27,173
    Location:
    Where cushions are comfy, and straps hold firm.
    Yes it defines itself, and even an average reader will understand what it means. :)
    Who's up for marshmallows? :D
    Marshmellow-Kitten.jpg
     
    John-Wayne and John Calligan like this.
  7. Catrin Lewis

    Catrin Lewis Contributor Contributor Contest Winner 2023 Community Volunteer

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2014
    Messages:
    4,406
    Likes Received:
    4,755
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    *splort!*

    Ai r ded wiv teh kyoot.
     
    John Calligan and Cave Troll like this.
  8. John-Wayne

    John-Wayne Madman Extradinor Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2017
    Messages:
    3,169
    Likes Received:
    4,986
    Location:
    Badlands
    I actually came in with the expectation of this being a Skyrim thread!
     
    izzybot, John Calligan and Cave Troll like this.
  9. Privateer

    Privateer Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2017
    Messages:
    293
    Likes Received:
    483
    It's a sort of play on words from Skyrim. The DLC is based around home-building and there's a month in the Tamrielic calender called 'Heartfire'.

    A fire in a hearth is usually just called 'a fire'.
     
    John Calligan likes this.
  10. 8Bit Bob

    8Bit Bob Here ;) Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2017
    Messages:
    786
    Likes Received:
    766
    Location:
    Somewhere on this Earth
    I thought that's what this thread was gonna be about at first :p
     
  11. alanzie

    alanzie Member

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2013
    Messages:
    48
    Likes Received:
    35
    You are the author. If it exists in your written world, then it is indeed a word. . .even if in your work only. While a space between the hearth and fire would eliminate the question, I happen to think that hearthfire has a certain charm to it.
     
    John Calligan likes this.
  12. Necronox

    Necronox Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2015
    Messages:
    724
    Likes Received:
    802
    Location:
    Canton de Neuchatel, Switzerland
    Honestly, I do not see why it couldn't be a word. The English language, as it stands, does not have a unified body dictating what is - or is not, a word. So really, I could make a word called: Blabbergaffed, which is a word defining someone who had been hit in the left shoulder with the kidney of a goat.

    So, really, your blabbergaffed hearthfire is entire patipotz and as such i can verify it's entire blotensag. :p

    edit: come to think about it, I do not think there is anywhere that says what exactly is the english language. There is no-one to say what is an english word, or even what is english. So therefore:

    Je parle maintenant en anglais comme je l'ai fait précédemment. Prennez plaisir.
     
    John Calligan likes this.
  13. Mouthwash

    Mouthwash Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2012
    Messages:
    476
    Likes Received:
    193
    Also name of a month in the Elder Scrolls.
     
    saxonslav likes this.
  14. Privateer

    Privateer Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2017
    Messages:
    293
    Likes Received:
    483
    The Oxford English Dictionary.
     
  15. Necronox

    Necronox Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2015
    Messages:
    724
    Likes Received:
    802
    Location:
    Canton de Neuchatel, Switzerland
    Hardly official. It is just a single dictionary, and many others may say otherwise if they so please. That said, they typically use the most commonly accepted spelling and words.
     
  16. John Calligan

    John Calligan Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2015
    Messages:
    1,479
    Likes Received:
    1,683
    Not to mention if they are unsure what should be in the dictionary, they look to recent word usage by popular literary writers.
     
  17. Necronox

    Necronox Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2015
    Messages:
    724
    Likes Received:
    802
    Location:
    Canton de Neuchatel, Switzerland
    Didn't the word "Muggle" make it into some dictionary? And besides, shakespear can be credited with at least the popularisation (if not invention - which is arguable) of many words we now use today.
     
    John Calligan likes this.
  18. TheRealStegblob

    TheRealStegblob Kill All Mages Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2016
    Messages:
    588
    Likes Received:
    291
    Location:
    Massachusetts
    I'm on the side of "just because it's not in a Dictionary doesn't mean it's not a real word". It may not be one officially recognized by a wide number of authorities on words, but if the word has a clear meaning and enough people use it, then what exactly makes it not a real word?

    Although if you're writing up something official and your boss or professor or whatever says "Hey mac, "Fartslime" isn't a proper word," claiming that anything is a real word if you speak it isn't exactly an applicable argument.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice