"Though we might conceive of scientific language as objective, rather than sensual or poetic, in fact phonesthemic considerations play an important role. We know a science word when we hear it, even if we don't know what it means." Nature Chemistry 3, 417–418 (2011)
About 15 years ago I wrote an essay for Nature Chemistry titled "Neolexia," about how new science words get birthed. What should they sound like, what languages should they draw from, should there be humor. (You can read the whole essay here.) In it, I noted that zoologist Lancelot Hogben (Lancelot?!) had very firm ideas on how new science terms should be built.
Heavy metals and tea have been in the news this week, which made me wonder if I should start a tea-themed heavy metal band. Which of course needs a name. And like science words, we know a heavy metal band name when we hear one: Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Anthrax. There should be some hard consonants, and perhaps a whiff of danger. Herewith....
The Katekins (cat-eh-kins, for the catechin molecules that act as antioxidants)
Agonized Leaves (for the agony of the leaves, the way that the dried tea leaves writhe as they unfurl in hot water)
Redox (so much of tea chemistry is redox)
Tea Scum (IYKYN)
Thoughts?
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