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learner
07-23-2007, 03:51 PM
In "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" by J. D. Salinger four-year-old Sybil says:
"I live in Whirly Wood, Connecticut."

What is it, actually - Whirly Wood? I understand this is a made-up town because there is no such place in Connecticut. But does the name make any sense in English?
Thank you in advance.
Bridget
07-23-2007, 04:25 PM
In "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" by J. D. Salinger four-year-old Sybil says:
"I live in Whirly Wood, Connecticut."

What is it, actually - Whirly Wood? I understand this is a made-up town because there is no such place in Connecticut. But does the name make any sense in English?
Thank you in advance.

Maybe it's play on whorly wood.
learner
07-23-2007, 04:54 PM
Thank you.

According to Webster 'whorl' is the alteration of whirle.

Does it mean, the girl is not pronouncing 'whorl' correctly, so Salinger's just mocking her childish speech? Or maybe not?
Bridget
07-24-2007, 02:53 AM
Thank you.

According to Webster 'whorl' is the alteration of whirle.

Does it mean, the girl is not pronouncing 'whorl' correctly, so Salinger's just mocking her childish speech? Or maybe not?

I think a lot of people think it's "whirly" and not "whorly".
learner
07-24-2007, 11:29 AM
I think a lot of people think it's "whirly" and not "whorly".
OK, I think you're right, but what is it - Whorly Wood in this case? Does THIS mean any sense in English? What kind of wood is it?
Bridget
07-24-2007, 01:50 PM
OK, I think you're right, but what is it - Whorly Wood in this case? Does THIS mean any sense in English? What kind of wood is it?

I think it's timber with lots of whorly knots in it.
learner
07-24-2007, 08:20 PM
Bridget, thank you very much.
Bridget
07-24-2007, 10:14 PM
Bridget, thank you very much.

You're welcome.