"ESCHEW," "Bollix," "Scuttlebutt," 1

       This is a threesome of words I corralled for the peculiarity of their sound and in the case of the latter two, the peculiarity of their roots as well.  Let's look at each.

       “Eschew” has always been a strange “chewy” word to me, to “avoid, escape, keep clear of.”  Some sources allow for the “shoe” pronunciation, but all accept “chew,” which is my preference.  It comes from a Germanic root scheuen, meaning simply to “shun.” 

       Now I think "eschew" is peculiar enough that I am choosing to eschew using eschew.  How about you?

       (Tomorrow, "bollix.")