Mashed Radish

Mashed Radish

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

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  • A “shocking” etymology

    There are a lot of words and yet there are no words to describe how so many are feeling after Donald Trump upset Hillary Clinton for the presidency on Tuesday night. But one word, for so many reasons, recurs: shock. Shock The word shock originally referred to a military clash. The Oxford English Dictionary first Read more.

    John Kelly
    November 11, 2016
    Uncategorized

  • “Suffrage”: Cutting through all the noise

    Are you tired of all the campaign noise? Are you worried America is splitting into two? Are you saying prayers? Or are you proudly casting your ballot – for a woman who, not 100 years ago, couldn’t have done so herself ? On this US Election Day, the etymology of suffrage, that right to vote Read more.

    John Kelly
    November 8, 2016
    Uncategorized

  • Inside the etymological cave of “cub”

    After a 108-year drought, the Chicago Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians to win the World Series. The team fought their way back to victory over the Tribe with all the ferocity and tenacity of their ursine namesake – or at least when that cub comes of age. In honor of the champions, let’s have a Read more.

    John Kelly
    November 3, 2016
    Uncategorized

  • Go Tribe!

    The Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs face off in Game 6 of the World Series tonight. As I grew up in Ohio, and as my family hails from Cleveland, I’m rooting for the Indians to bring in their first championship since 1948. Speaking of tribe (and putting aside the team’s racially controversial mascot), where does Read more.

    John Kelly
    November 1, 2016
    Uncategorized

  • “Musket”: the hawkish language of a gadfly?

    Former Congressman Joe Walsh caused a stir (and probably a visit from the Secret Service) after he tweeted he’ll be grabbing his “musket” if Donald Trump loses the election. He added, “You in?” Walsh claimed he wasn’t calling for an armed revolution but just using musket as a symbol of protest. Either way, Walsh’s words Read more.

    John Kelly
    October 28, 2016
    Uncategorized

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Mashed Radish

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