Some of the words in the Russian language are rarely used, which is why different generations have their own norms for the use of such designations. What is a “hook” for you? This is a very interesting question, which young people will certainly answer with a nod of their heads towards a very tall person. However, how true can such an interpretation be considered, and what historical background has led to a capacious naming of stately citizens? Sources are easy to find in Turkic languages.
Oriental roots
Initially, it was about fortifications. The modern “Kalancha” is a derivative of the Arabic “fortress”. Moreover, it entered the domestic lexicon after close military interaction with the Turks, who built powerful and durable watch towers at all key points. Around the 19th century, the name also spread to the structures of other nationalities, in particular, they began to call them towers in the Caucasus.
Proper use
In the Dahl and Ushakov dictionaries, you can find the most complete list of possible meanings. Taking into account outdated, regional and slang definitions, the word “Kalancha” has four most common interpretations:
- watch tower;
- watchtower;
- a stove with a high pipe and the pipe itself;
- tall man.
The first meaning has gone out of circulation today, it is used only by historians and architects when reviewing ancient buildings. But the second option is more in demand, albeit losing relevance with the development of surveillance technologies, tracking fire hazard situations.
From the 18th to the 20th centuries, Kalancha was the main element of the fire station, from which it is easy to notice smoke and give an alarm to call the brigade. Now a similar function is performed by various kinds of alarms, and citizens themselves can ask for help through mobile devices.
Echidna nickname
The people noticed a clear resemblance between impressive stoves and massive pipes with traditional towers. It was natural to jokingly call them a foreign word. Somewhere such a term has taken root, but for the majority of the Russian-speaking population, the original transcript will seem like a discovery.
But caustic comments about friends and colleagues can be heard to this day. Is it possible to tell a person that he is a bowler? It depends on your upbringing and close relationship. In some cases, the irony will be appropriate if friendly communication and a relaxed atmosphere have. But remember that even allegorical allusions to the physical characteristics of the interlocutor are considered bad form!
Everyday communication
Should I include in the vocabulary? As a building, it’s almost impossible to meet a Kalancha today. Beautiful buildings are preserved only in the format of architectural monuments in the historical areas of the city and in the places of ancient fortresses. But sonorous towers are sometimes referred to as sonorous definitions in fire hazardous areas and in tourist areas, therefore it is useful to know it.