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Mashed Radish

Mashed Radish

Etymology at the intersection of news, life, and everyday language.

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  • the emotions, part ii (afraid/surprised & angry/disgusted)

    Fast Mash From the French-based affray, afraid likely comes from the Vulgar Latin exfridare, joing ex- (out of) and the Germanic frithu (peace), constructing fear as a “breach of peace” Surprise is Latin-by-way-of-French: French surprendre joins super (over) and prendere (take, seize), rooting the word in a notion of a “sudden attack” Through Old Norse, anger comes from the Proto-Indo-European *angh- (choke, squeeze); anguish, anxiety, and angst are related Via French, disgust joins dis- (opposite) and gustare (to taste), from the Proto-Indo-European *geus–… Read more.

    John Kelly
    March 7, 2014
    Uncategorized

  • the emotions, part i (happy & sad)

    Fast Mash Happy originally meant “lucky,” from hap (fortune, fate, chance, luck). This hap goes back to the Proto-Indo-European *kob (fit, suit). The meaning shifts towards “contentment” around the 15th century.  Sad comes from the Old English sæd, meaning “full,” in the sense of having one’s fill. Sated is cognate, from the Latin satis (enough), as in “satisfy.” Feelings of fullness… Read more.

    John Kelly
    March 4, 2014
    Uncategorized

  • And the “Oscar” goes (back) to…

    It’s hard to snub the spectacle completely, the Oscars. Movies have such a significant standing in America’s cultural, historic, and economic life. Sure, there is gilded excess and celebrity worship. Yes, the Academy has a history of failing not only to award but even nominate great films, directors, actors, writers, and other industry creatives. And… Read more.

    John Kelly
    March 1, 2014
    Uncategorized

  • monger

    Before we begin, I want to welcome all my new readers–or, dare I say, my fellow blog-mongers. But seriously, though. Wow; I’m flattered. Really. Thanks! Now, let’s get to the scoundrels. Part of me thinks of monger as an historical artifact or romantic relic of a simpler time, a time when our work was our wares.… Read more.

    John Kelly
    February 25, 2014
    Uncategorized

  • The prize-winning etymologies of “gold,” “silver,” and “bronze”

    These word origins, like humans, are fascinated by “bright,” “shiny” objects Read more.

    John Kelly
    February 18, 2014
    Feature

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