Rafia
n.— «The Provisional IRA, once regarded as a staunch defender of the Catholic community, is rapidly losing all credibility over allegations of money laundering, theft and murder. It is already being referred to in some Catholic areas as the “Rafia,” in reference to the organised crime that has generated millions to bankroll Sinn Fein’s political ambitions.» —“Sinn Fein chiefs ‘sitting at IRA’s top table’” by Thomas Harding in London, England Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) Feb. 22, 2005. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Book recommendations and the art of apology. Martha and Grant share some good reads, including an opinionated romp through English grammar, a Spanish-language adventure novel, an account of 19th-century dictionary wars, and a gorgeously illustrated...
When you had sleepovers as a child, what did you call the makeshift beds you made on the floor? In some places, you call those bedclothes and blankets a pallet. This word comes from an old term for “straw.” And: What’s the story...