Category: Feature
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The etymological routes of “trade”
At the G7 summit in Canada this week, Donald Trump’s recent tariffs are sparking unprecedented trade disputes with some of the US’s closest allies. We considered the origins of tariff not long back on the blog (and embargo well before it). But how about the word trade itself? It takes a path into English you…
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What is the “feck” in “feckless”?
Heads up: strong language ahead. Comedian Samantha Bee sparked controversy this week when she called Ivanka Trump a “feckless cunt” for her political complicity. The obscene remark, which Bee has since apologized for, had some wryly observing: why is everyone up in arms over feckless? I think feckless and cunt are due for the etymological…
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Deducing the roots of “duke”
Upon their marriage today, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle don’t just become husband and wife. They also become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Now, I won’t dare untangle the long and complex history of British peerage, but I will track down the origin of two of its titles, duke and duchess.
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It’s been five years of Mashed Radish. This calls for “punch.”
Mashed Radish turned five this week—and of course I forgot its birthday. Surely I was lost in the origin of some word or another. Still, the occasion calls for some celebration. Since we’re marking five years, why don’t we toast with some punch?
Mashed Radish 