Month: March 2017
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10 words with surprising Irish roots
From bother and trousers to slogan and slew, the English language has Irish etymology galore. We’re all Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, as we like to say, but so too are many of our words – and not just the more obvious ones like leprechaun or shamrock. There are many other everyday words whose Irish origins…
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Etymology of the Day: Heyday
Back in my heyday, we’ve heard our fathers so often begin some boast of long-lost glory. The heyday of the train, the heyday of radio, the heyday of the flip-phone – each of these remembers some technological golden age of yore. Perhaps you’ve wondered: What is the hey– in heyday? As it turns out, we’re…
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Why is it called the “Ides” of March?
We don’t know where the word “Ides” comes from or why the Ancient Romans used plural words for singular dates. Thanks, Caesar.
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Under the etymological cover of “coverage”
The roots of coverage span from medieval fire prevention to famous Scottish diaries. On Monday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that 24 million Americans will lose coverage over the next decade under the Republican plan to replace Obamacare. Let’s follow up on last week’s look at insurance by reading over the etymological terms…
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Etymology of the Day: Skosh
“Some more coffee?” “Just a skosh more, please.” “These brownies are so delicious!” “I add a skosh of cayenne pepper to the batter.” Skosh is a fun and informal term for a small amount or a little, but its origins are mighty surprising. .
Mashed Radish 