Month: March 2017

• From infantrymen to innovators: the etymology of “pioneer”

  The original pioneers were “foot soldiers” who cleared the way for the rest of the army. This past Monday, US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos described historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as “real pioneers when it comes to school choice.” Her statement came under immediate fire, though, as HBCUs were formed due to a  profound…

  John Kelly

  March 3, 2017

  Feature

• Etymology of the Day: Pester

  Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? When we pester someone, we annoy them with repeated questions or requests. And anyone who’s driven children on a long road trip might reasonably assume pester is related to pest. But au contraire. Etymology can be such a pest. 

  John Kelly

  March 2, 2017

  Etymology of the Day

• Etymology of the Day: Pal

  We can use it when we’re trying to get a stranger’s attention in a friendly way. Hey, pal, though you’d want to know you left your lights on. We can also use when it we’re trying to get a stranger’s attention in a not so friendly way. Excuse me, pal, but I was in line…

  John Kelly

  March 1, 2017

  Etymology of the Day