Nettles

[scotman]

Why is there a word specifically for thrashing with nettles?

[Quizmonster]

Because of their use as a sexual stimulant, a process known as urtication. See http://www.devus.com/wiki/Nettle for more information.

[mike11111]

No more strange than the Ancient Greeks who had a word specifically for shoving a radish up the posterior (punishment for adultery).

[scotman]

Thanks QM

I should have thought there would be a sexual element.

[swedeheart]

Tut.

[scotman]

Swedeheart

Who or what are you tutting?

[Quizmonster]

SH, I thought Swedes were especially into this sort of thing, leaping naked from a steaming sauna out into the snow to be thrashed with whatever vegetation came to hand!

[scotman]

QM

I think that is the Finns, although I believe the Swedes have copied them.

[swedeheart]

Tutting you Scotman - but just for fun:) Sorry if I offended you, didn't mean to.

Some Swedes are, QM, but I'll stick to the nettles soup - delish. The sauna is popular here but I believe Scotman is right about the Finns leading the way and they're still very much into birching; see non-punitive uses here: http://en.wikipedia.o...ing#Non-punitive_uses

[scotman]

Swedeheart.

You haven't offended me, just intrigued and surprised me. Obviously I have not yet got a grip on your sense of humour.

All is well with the world.


John

[mike11111]

Yes, painful!