Category: Etymology of the Day

• 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

• Etymology of the Day: Dibs

  I call dibs on the last slice of pizza! I get dibs on top bunk! When Steve moves on to his new job, I call first dibs on his cubicle! When someone calls or gets dibs on something, they are claiming a right to it before anyone else. But where does this playful expression come…

  John Kelly

  February 27, 2017

  Etymology of the Day