Is there another word for "Crotch-wood".

[John Keeton]

Mike is correct - the term has nothing to do with anatomical parts and refers only to that area of the subject (be it body, tree, clothing, etc.) where two members come together. If one becomes offended by "crotch", that may just be a reflection on their level of knowledge regarding the term.

Back to the point, why feel compelled to call it anything other than highly figured wood. The wood used by Brian in his bowls does not appear to me to have the characteristic feather associated with crotch wood, and while it may have come from that area of the tree, perhaps the angle of cut did not preserve the figured portion of the wood - or, perhaps I am just not observing it well enough.

Most have opined and it would be best if we kind of leave this topic before the conversation takes a bad turn. Thanks.

[Jamie Donaldson]

I agree with Sid, call it "fork wood!" That's a perfectly accurate discription of the source of the feather figure.

[ray hampton]

I try to split this type of wood before, the name fork out or fork off, branch off, the name also apply to a fork in the highway, some people will say the Y in the road

[John Sanford]

Perhaps "Y" branch?

Nah, because then somebody is going to want to know what the answer is? Or some kid will pester with "Y Not branch?"

[John Altberg]

With all due respect, I believe you are being far too sensitive!

[phil harold]

There is a simple solution to this, use the correct word

Axil
The upper angle between a branch and the trunk from which it has grown.

[Mike Cruz]

That is very interesting, Phil. I think I'll start using that. I'll label the bottom of the bowl, Maple Axil. And when people ask me what that means, I'll say that means "CROTCH!"

[Dan Grebinski]

That is very interesting, Phil. I think I'll start using that. I'll label the bottom of the bowl, Maple Axil. And when people ask me what that means, I'll say that means "CROTCH!"

Great!! Now I'm an axilety old fart.

[Brian Kent]

With all due respect, I believe you are being far too sensitive!

Don't worry, John. I am only talking about an ounce of awkwardness with 1% of the congregation. When 1% is 8 people, I avoid little offenses whenever possible. To me it is just a funny word.

[Mike Cruz]

And for clarification, you are a man of the cloth, aren't you Brian?

[Brian Kent]

Yes, I am. Methodist pastor. Most of us have good senses of humor.

[Dale Gillaspy]

I have to admit I think it is much ado about nothing. The word crotch is not like you are dropping the F bomb, and it can refer to any number of areas where things split apart and not just an anatomical region of the body. I wish to respect other's rights as well, I'm just saying I personally don't get it.

crotch(krch)n.1. The angle or region of the angle formed by the junction of two parts or members, such as two branches or legs.
2.a. The area on a pair of pants, underpants, or shorts where the two leg panels are sewn together.
b. A piece of material sewn into a pair of pants, underpants, or shorts that joins the legs.

3. The fork of a pole or other support.

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[Possibly alteration of crutch and partly from Middle English croche, crook, crosier (from Old French croche, hook, shepherd's crook, feminine of croc, hook; see crochet).