Tag: Arabic
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The 2017 “Etymology of the Year”: The Fake Origins of “Covfefe”
While some casual observers speculated if covfefe would win Word of the Year, lexicographers duly noted that the presidential typo for coverage, if creating a curious cultural moment, lacked any meaningful use to genuinely merit any such award. I think covfefe does deserve a different prize, however: my second annual Etymology of the Year.
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Reams of “ream”
Sexual assault scandals, mass shootings, military coups, tax cuts for the rich, trophy elephants, the impending devastation of climate change, the looming threat of nuclear war—there are reams and reams of heavy news right now. So, I think we could use something that brings us all together. Sorry, I don’t have any puppy videos, but…
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Safari: Etymology of the day
Safari was borrowed in the 1850s from the Swahili safari, meaning “journey” or “expedition,” in turn from the Arabic safar, “journey” or “tour.” m ∫ r ∫
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Lions, chameleons, and shih-tzus, oh my!: 12 “lion” etymologies
“Liger” is much older than you think. “Tigon” is even older.
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It’s time for another Friday etymological news roundup
We had a lot of interesting words in the news this week (some more polite than others). Here’s a news review with—what else?—an etymological twist.