cloud-cuckoo-land

2010. 3. 23. 09:14memo


PRONUNCIATION:
(KLOUD-koo-koo-land) 

MEANING:
noun: An idealized, unrealistic state; a place out of touch with reality.


ETYMOLOGY:
Loan translation of Greek Nephelokokkugia, from nephele (cloud) + kokkux (cuckoo). The word was coined in The Birds, a comedy by Athenian playwright Aristophanes (c. 450-388 BCE). Nephelokokkugia was the name of a city in the sky, built by the birds in collaboration with some Athenians.