dorothy dix
Definition
- Proper noun:
- A pseudonym for Elizabeth Meriwether Gilmer: "Dorothy Dix" was the pen name of a prominent American journalist and advice columnist.
- The columnist herself: The name refers to the person, Elizabeth Meriwether Gilmer, who wrote the widely syndicated column.
- The advice column: By extension, "Dorothy Dix" can refer to the famous advice column itself, which offered counsel on personal and romantic problems.
Usage Examples
- Proper noun (referring to the person):
- Dorothy Dix was one of the most widely read journalists of her time.
- Many people sought guidance from Dorothy Dix.
- Proper noun (referring to the column):
- I read Dorothy Dix every morning in the newspaper.
- Her problem was typical of those featured in Dorothy Dix.
Advanced Usage
- "A Dorothy Dix question": In parliamentary procedure (especially in Australian and British contexts), this idiom refers to a pre-arranged question asked in a legislature to allow a minister to make a prepared statement or announce government policy. The term derives from the idea of a planted or scripted question, akin to the prepared advice in her column.
- The backbencher asked a Dorothy Dix question, allowing the Prime Minister to elaborate on the new policy.
Variants and Related Words
- Dorothy Dixer (noun): Primarily used in Australian English, this term specifically denotes a pre-arranged parliamentary question.
- The opposition criticized the minister for relying on Dorothy Dixers during the session.
Synonyms
- Advice columnist: A writer who answers readers' personal questions.
- Agony aunt: A British term for an advice columnist, especially one dealing with personal or emotional problems.
Notes on Meaning
- The primary meaning is as a proper noun for the journalist and her work.
- The secondary, idiomatic meaning ("Dorothy Dix question") is a specialized term in political jargon, illustrating how the name entered a different domain of language.
Noun
-
United States journalist who wrote a syndicated column of advice to the lovelorn (1870-1951)
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