Torpids

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Having little or no energy or alertness, often leading to a sluggish state
2. Describing a lack of movement or activity that results in lethargy or dullness
3. Characterized by a physical or mental slowness that hampers responsiveness and vigor

Etymology: "Torpids" is the plural of "torpid," which is what Oxford students call the rowing races held each year in the spring term, a name that exists because of a deliberate contrast. The races are the lower-status counterpart to the summer "Eights," and the boats used in them were slower than those in the other races, so the name plays on the sluggishness of the vessels rather than the physical state of the rowers. The word itself is the adjective "torpid," meaning sluggish or inactive, with the plural ending "-s" added to name the races. Here the adjective is used as an ironic label, turning a word for lethargy into the title of a lively sporting event.