Tag: French
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How the game of chess and Persian kings gave us the word “check”
Thanks to literal chess moves, the English word “check” ultimately derives from the Persian word for “king.” Plus, a surprising connection to your yoga practice.
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An etymological trip to northern Italy: Milan, Cortina, Lombardy, and more
Of beards, fields, curtains, and sparkly rocks
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A blizzard of wintry word origins
English’s core vocabulary for winter weather has largely been frozen—or as we used to say, “froren”—in place.
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Charting the etymological boundaries of “Greenland” and “Denmark”
While relatively straightforward as etymologies, the origins of “Greenland” and “Denmark” do provide important historical insights into these two proud lands.
Mashed Radish 