| 释义 |
-gram|græm|
repr. (chiefly) Gr. γράµµα something written, letter (of the alphabet). The older Eng. ns. with this ending fall into three classes: (1) adaptations of actual or assumable Gr. ns. in -γραµµα, derived from vbs. f. prep. + γράϕειν to write, and expressing the result of the action of the verb, as anagram, diagram, epigram, paragram, program (usu. in Fr. spelling programme); (2) compounds of a Gr. n. with γράµµα, f. legitimately assumable Gr. types, as chronogram, and (later) ideogram, logogram; (3) compounds of a numeral with γράµµα, or more frequently with γραµµή line, of which the Gr. type, where one exists, is a neut. adj. in -γραµµον, as monogram, hexagram, pentagram. (Yet a fourth kind of formation has one example in lipogram.) In the year 1857 the need for a shorter term for ‘telegraphic message’ was supplied by the introduction of telegram (previously proposed in 1852), which violates Gr. analogy, as an adv. like τῆλε could not correctly form a compound with a vb. or n., but which was found so convenient that it quickly became established, and has been adopted into several foreign langs. Later formations suggested by this word are the hybrids cablegram for ‘cable telegram’, pistolgram for an instantaneous photograph. Another recent formation, also suggested by telegram, but not open to the same objection, is phonogram for the record of sound made by the phonograph. In the denominations of weight in the metric system, decagram(me, kilogram(me, etc., -gram(me is the word gram2, gramme.
2. In various (often humorous) combinations based on telegram, denoting a message delivered by a representative of a commercial greetings company, esp. one outrageously dressed to amuse or embarrass the recipient, in the manner indicated by the first element, as Gorillagram (proprietary in the U.S.), Rambogram, strippergram, etc. See also kissogram.
1979Maclean's Mag. 19 Nov. 17/1 For singing-telegram junkies bored by the same old song and dance, Cookie climbs into a furry suit to deliver Gorillagrams. 1980Official Gaz. (U.S. Patent Office) 17 June tm104 Gorillagram. Eliot Corey Stein... Filed 12-11-78. 1981N.Y. Times 20 Apr. 5/5 Mary Flatt..said its services include..the ‘Bellygram’, which is sung by a singer in a belly-dancing attire. 1982Private Eye 16 July 22/4 (Advt.), Singing telegrams, Gorillagrams,..Strip-a-Grams..for..anniversaries etc. 1983‘K. Bryson’ et al. Compl. Naff Guide 46 Send a girlfriend a male singing strippergram on her birthday. 1985Time 24 June 72/3 Youngsters will soon be able to pop Rambo vitamins, and New Yorkers can send a Rambogram, in which a Stallone look-alike will deliver a birthday message or carry out a tough assignment. |