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When linking pictures, Phil Plait always adds a line that basically means "Click to enlarge". He started using the Simpsons phrase embiggen at some point, and a while after that he started making up words vaguely related to the context.

Pharaos are big in a metaphorical sense. Enpharaoronate means embiggen.

> Pharaos are big in a metaphorical sense.

Incidentally, I've heard that 'Pharaoh' comes from an ancient Egyptian word meaning 'big house' or 'big palace'.

Another speculation is that it's related to the Arabic word فارع, meaning 'very tall'. So it's might be nearer than expected to the intended meaning :)

If 'Enpharaoronate' were a real word it would fit very well in translating a famous Egyptian proverb from Arabic: "Said to the Pharaoh: what Enpharaoronated you? He said: I didn't find anyone to stop me."

Pretty sure it's just a goof trying to make a word that sounds like it means 'enlarge' with 'pharoah' in it. The tone of the article sounds like the author may have been a little loopy on some 'medicine' when writing.

Sure, space travel will pay for itself by engendering international love. Um, ok.

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