Sundry things

[digicamhelp]

If you read the phrase "sundry things" do you think of items that are small or large in size?

[alottolearn]

small

[stapel]

Merriam-Webster [wwWebmasterWorld.com] definition of "sundries": "miscellaneous small articles, details, or items".

So I'd echo the previous vote for "small".

Eliz.

[jlr1001]

Semantics....

There's a difference between:

sundries - "small miscellaneous items"

-and-

sundry - "various; miscellaneous"

So when I hear "sundry things" I think of different, not necessarily related, items. Size doesn't even figure into the equation.

-jlr1001

[Syzygy]

If I read the term "sundry things" I'd wonder why the author didn't come up with something a little catchier...

Syzygy

[digicamhelp]

sundries - "small miscellaneous items"
-and-
sundry - "various; miscellaneous"

So when I hear "sundry things" I think of different, not necessarily related, items. Size doesn't even figure into the equation.

This semantic difference is important. In fact, I looked up sundry in an online dictionary and found the same definition. So that's why I inquired here. I'm planning to use the phrase:

"small and sundry things"

I do not want suggest large items. Therefore, I'm not sure if use of the word "small" will help qualify or quantify the use of the word "sundry" in that context.

What do you think? Thank you.

[Beagle]

The two print dictionaries I have at hand (both from Webster's, but different formats) give "various; miscellaneous" as the definition for sundry, and neither mentions size. Both trace it to an Old English word for "separate."

It may be a case where there's a connotation that goes beyond the actual definition. One aspect of my copy editing at my day job is catching things like that, especially when an author likes to use "big words" but doesn't always understand their nuances. (Wish I could think of an example...)

When I hear "sundry," I connect it with the connotation of being small, probably because I'm old enough to remember stores that sold "sundries," which were normally small items. But younger folks may not make that mental connection, in which case the addition of "small" might be helpful.

[shallow]

Unless I come up with something better, I've thought about using "small, sundry things" instead of "small and sundry things."

Hmmm, maybe if the word seems odd today, I shouldn't use the word at all. I'm also old enough to have heard the word used without trying having to run to a dictionary.

Then again, I'm an equal opportunity writer. The title is going to use the word "stuff" instead of using words such as things, items, products. :~)

shallow: aka digicamhelp

[Clinton Labombard]

'Sundry' makes me think 'panoramic and lusty'... 'small and sundry' makes me think 'lolita'. Stop looking at me that way.

And if the person reading it doesn't know the pronunciation, it just might look like you ran two words together: 'sun dry'.

[tbear]

Regardless of size, I think of extra items of less importance but nevertheless pertaining too the main item, as in accessories.

But the semantic element is important.....

Interesting thread, by the way....

[angy]

FWIW. 'sundry' is a bit quaint.

But it depends on the context. If you were offering antiques -- " a box of sundries from the estate of Mrs Thomas Edward Smythe" it would suggest a small items.

How about ---

odds and ends...

bits and pieces...

What's the context?