Re. Afrikaans "Maas"

[Craig Clark]

Dear Kerneels
 
> Craig Clark and Eric Alan Weinstein commented on the Afrikaans meaning of 
> "maas". The most commonon usage of the word is in the sense where it means 
> "mesh", although it is also used when refering to invisible mending and 
> darning. Thus wire mesh is "maasdraad" and mesh stitch is "maassteek". A 
> secondary meaning is the one Craig mentions, where "maas" is used in 
> connection with calabash milk or sour porridge or cottage cheese.

Now you mention it, I have heard "maasdraad" for "wire mesh"... I 
stand corrected.
 
> On another track: I'm new to this list, and would like to know if there's 
> been any mention of "Mason & Dixon", the new Pynchon novel advertised by 
> Henry Holt in the October 21st issue of Publishers Weekly.

Yes, a lot of mention in fact - we're all waiting with baited breath 
here. And on another note, a third South African on the list! 
Welcome! Now if HAG can only get his e-mail sorted out we'll be able 
to arrange a get-together... (HAG is struggling to consolidate 
himself at the University of Zululand, foax, and missed a lunch 
appointment with me last week, but I'm not bitter...)

Craig Clark

"Living inside the system is like driving across
the countryside in a bus driven by a maniac bent
on suicide."
   - Thomas Pynchon, "Gravity's Rainbow"