BOOJUM Meaning and
Definition
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Boojum is a noun that has its origins in the imaginary creatures depicted in Lewis Carroll's famous poem, "The Hunting of the Snark." However, the term has evolved to possess a distinct meaning in science and the natural world. A boojum is defined as a type of unique desert plant belonging to the genus Fouquieria found in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. These peculiar plants, also known as "upside-down trees," typically consist of a trunk or stalk that extends upwards and branches out, but unlike conventional trees, the branches bear no leaves except at their furthest extremities. The boojum's unusual appearance, resembling a person or entity turned on its head, has played a role in its peculiar name.
Furthermore, the name "boojum" has gained an additional meaning in the literary and cultural context. It refers to a concept popularized by science fiction writer Robert A. Heinlein in his novel "The Rolling Stones." In the novel, a boojum represents a spaceship that uses a hypothetical gravity-altering drive system, allowing it to travel faster than light. This concept has been adopted by subsequent science fiction literature and has become a recurring motif in the genre.
Overall, "boojum" encompasses various definitions, from imaginary creatures in poetry to unique desert plants and innovative spaceship technology. These diverse meanings highlight the versatility and adaptability of the term over time.
Etymology of BOOJUM
The word "boojum" has an interesting etymology that can be traced back to Lewis Carroll's poem "The Hunting of the Snark". In this nonsense poem published in 1876, Carroll describes a mythical creature called a "Boojum" that is capable of causing individuals to vanish. The word itself is believed to be a variation of the Dutch word "bojum" or "boojum", which means something terrifying or formidable. Carroll likely adopted this term and adapted it to create a whimsical creature for his poem. Over time, the word "boojum" has gained usage outside of Carroll's poem to refer to something elusive or mysterious.
