"GUMPTION"; "Pawky"; "Smidgen"; "Fluke"; "FLUMMOX"

       In continuing our look at a group of words that have etymological dead-ends, only a quick glance at "gumption" about which apparently the less said the better.  But you gotta revel in its definition:  "Boldness of enterprise; initiative or aggressiveness.  Guts, spunk.  Common sense."  Gumption!   A great word that I'm glad to have in the language.

       "Flummox" (FLUHM-ihks) has thankfully flummoxed ("perplexed" and "confused," AHD) all lexicographers as to its roots.  But the OED says "probably imitative."  Now that sounds right to me, a word expressive of its meaning in its sheer utterance:  flummoxed.

       (Continued tomorrow)