Mashed Radish

Ensnared by “scandal”

Scandal ultimately comes from the Greek for a “spring trap.” With smoke continuing to billow from the White House over the Trump-Russia investigation, there’s something else in the air: the word scandal. What’s the etymological fire behind this word? Read more.

John Kelly

May 26, 2017

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Why does news “break”?

The past few weeks have bombarded us with breaking news out of Washington, dishing up scoop after scoop on President Trump’s ongoing scandals. But for as much it can feel like the White House is breaking, why do we call it breaking news? Read more.

John Kelly

May 23, 2017

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What is the “peach” in “impeachment”?

The word impeach begins—and can end up—in “shackles.” The political nature of Trump’s firing of former FBI Director James Comey, coupled with Comey’s memo that Trump asked him to “let go” of the investigation of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, are prompting a lot of talk about the I-word—impeachment—over concerns that Trump may have obstructed… Read more.

John Kelly

May 19, 2017

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The “Bureau” of Etymological Investigation

A week out, Donald Trump’s firing of James Comey, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has only raised more questions than it answers. In the meantime, let’s put the word bureau under an etymological investigation. Read more.

John Kelly

May 16, 2017

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‘Ditto,’ ‘skirmish,’ ‘zany’ and other words with surprising Italian roots

The passage of the Republican bill in the House to repeal Obamacare tees up a skirmish in the Senate—oh, allow me to put aside the newsy connections today, as urgent as the issue is. I’m off to Italy for a week or so. Italian has given English a wealth of words for music (allegro, falsetto,… Read more.

John Kelly

May 5, 2017

Feature

Ensnared by “scandal”

Why does news “break”?

What is the “peach” in “impeachment”?

The “Bureau” of Etymological Investigation

‘Ditto,’ ‘skirmish,’ ‘zany’ and other words with surprising Italian roots