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“Leave”: a big, fat, sticky mess. Literally.
The result of the “Brexit” referendum is historic: Britain has voted to leave the European Union. The very word leave has made its own history, too: It originally meant “to remain.” Leave, or what “remains” Historically, we can consider leave a contronym: a word that means its opposite, like cleave, dust, and sanction. In the Read more.
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Cleveland Cavaliers: a bunch of “hacks”?
On the court, the Cleveland Cavaliers are champions, bringing the first major sports title to the Ohio city in 52 years with their 93-89 victory over the Golden State Warriors in an exciting Game 7 of the NBA finals. But in the etymology books, the Cleveland Cavaliers are, well, “hacks.” Cavalier English first borrowed cavalier Read more.
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“Soda”: An etymological “headache”?
This week, Philadelphia became the first major American city to tax soda and other sugar-added beverages. Supporters tout the levy as a remedy for health problems and school funding. Opponents see it as an illegal overreach of the nanny state and a real headache for the beverage industry. This split will surely play out in Read more.
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Orlando
Orlando: The name of this central Florida city, even as it mourns, now stands as a symbol of American resilience and resolve against hate and terror. And the origin of its name, if we look to its deeper etymology, only underscores its strength. The City Beautiful, the city lore Orlando was first known as Jernigan, after Aaron Read more.
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What is the “pall” pallbearers bear?
Muhammad Ali will be laid to rest in his hometown, Louisville, Ky., today. The distinguished boxer will have some distinguished pallbearers for his memorial processional, including actor Will Smith alongside Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson, fellow champions in the ring. But what is this pall that they will be bearing? Pallbearer Today, pallbearers carry the coffin Read more.
Mashed Radish 