Discussion Post #2- Well isn't that interesting...
8 views
Skip to first unread message
Jon Karschnik
Sep 14, 2011, 4:34:17 PM9/14/11
to English 4
Using this link,
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php,
go to the website and research an English word that piques your
interest... for example:
pirate (n.)
mid-13c., from O.Fr. pirate, from L. pirata "sailor, sea robber," from
Gk. peirates "brigand, pirate," lit. "one who attacks," from peiran
"to attack, make a hostile attempt on, try," from peira "trial, an
attempt, attack," from PIE base *per- "try" (cf. L. peritus
"experienced," periculum "trial, experiment, risk, danger," see
peril). Meaning "one who takes another's work without permission"
first recorded 1701; sense of "unlicensed radio broadcaster" is from
1913. The verb is first recorded 1570s. Related: Pirated; pirating.
Why? Because it's fun! Look around a bit and see where some of your
favorites came from.
This is due by 10 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18.
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php,
go to the website and research an English word that piques your
interest... for example:
pirate (n.)
mid-13c., from O.Fr. pirate, from L. pirata "sailor, sea robber," from
Gk. peirates "brigand, pirate," lit. "one who attacks," from peiran
"to attack, make a hostile attempt on, try," from peira "trial, an
attempt, attack," from PIE base *per- "try" (cf. L. peritus
"experienced," periculum "trial, experiment, risk, danger," see
peril). Meaning "one who takes another's work without permission"
first recorded 1701; sense of "unlicensed radio broadcaster" is from
1913. The verb is first recorded 1570s. Related: Pirated; pirating.
Why? Because it's fun! Look around a bit and see where some of your
favorites came from.
This is due by 10 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18.
Khaler Fales
Sep 17, 2011, 10:48:53 PM9/17/11
to English 4
reverie
mid-14c., "wild conduct, frolic," from O.Fr. reverie "revelry, raving,
delirium," from resver "to dream, wander, rave," of uncertain origin
(also the root of rave). Meaning "daydream" is first attested 1650s.
As a type of musical composition, it is attested from 1880.
mid-14c., "wild conduct, frolic," from O.Fr. reverie "revelry, raving,
delirium," from resver "to dream, wander, rave," of uncertain origin
(also the root of rave). Meaning "daydream" is first attested 1650s.
As a type of musical composition, it is attested from 1880.
Sierra Taylor
Sep 18, 2011, 3:03:18 PM9/18/11
to English 4
fiasco
1855, theater slang for "a failure," by 1862 acquired the general
sense of any dismal flop, on or off the stage. Via Fr. phrase fiare
fiasco "turn out a failure" (19c.), from It. far fiasco "suffer a
complete breakdown in performance," lit. "make a bottle," from fiasco
"bottle," from L.L. flasco, flasconem (see flask). The reason for all
this is utterly obscure today, but "the usual range of fanciful
theories has been advanced" [Ayto]. Weekley finds it utterly
mysterious and compares Fr. ramasser un pelle "to come a cropper (in
bicycling), lit. to pick up a shovel." OED makes nebulous reference to
"alleged incidents in Italian theatrical history." Klein suggests
Venetian glass-crafters tossing aside imperfect pieces to be made
later into common flasks. But according to an Italian dictionary, fare
il fiasco used to mean "to play a game so that the one that loses will
pay the fiasco," in other words, he will buy the next bottle (of
wine). That plausibly connects the word with the notion of "a costly
mistake."
1855, theater slang for "a failure," by 1862 acquired the general
sense of any dismal flop, on or off the stage. Via Fr. phrase fiare
fiasco "turn out a failure" (19c.), from It. far fiasco "suffer a
complete breakdown in performance," lit. "make a bottle," from fiasco
"bottle," from L.L. flasco, flasconem (see flask). The reason for all
this is utterly obscure today, but "the usual range of fanciful
theories has been advanced" [Ayto]. Weekley finds it utterly
mysterious and compares Fr. ramasser un pelle "to come a cropper (in
bicycling), lit. to pick up a shovel." OED makes nebulous reference to
"alleged incidents in Italian theatrical history." Klein suggests
Venetian glass-crafters tossing aside imperfect pieces to be made
later into common flasks. But according to an Italian dictionary, fare
il fiasco used to mean "to play a game so that the one that loses will
pay the fiasco," in other words, he will buy the next bottle (of
wine). That plausibly connects the word with the notion of "a costly
mistake."
David Canning
Sep 18, 2011, 6:25:38 PM9/18/11
to English 4
Paragon (n.)
1540s, from M.Fr. paragon "a model, pattern of excellence" (15c.),
from It. paragone, originally "touchstone to test gold" (early 14c.),
from paragonare "to test on a touchstone, compare," from Gk. parakonan
"to sharpen, whet," from para- "on the side" + akone "whetstone," from
PIE base *ak- "be pointed."
1540s, from M.Fr. paragon "a model, pattern of excellence" (15c.),
from It. paragone, originally "touchstone to test gold" (early 14c.),
from paragonare "to test on a touchstone, compare," from Gk. parakonan
"to sharpen, whet," from para- "on the side" + akone "whetstone," from
PIE base *ak- "be pointed."
Miasha.gibbs
Sep 18, 2011, 7:39:09 PM9/18/11
to English 4
love (n.)
O.E. lufu "love, affection, friendliness," from P.Gmc. *lubo (cf.
O.Fris. liaf, Ger. lieb, Goth. liufs "dear, beloved;" not found
elsewhere as a noun, except O.H.G. luba, Ger. Liebe), from PIE *leubh-
"to care, desire, love" (cf. L. lubet, later libet "pleases;" Skt.
lubhyati "desires;" O.C.S. l'ubu "dear, beloved;" Lith. liaupse "song
of praise"). Meaning "a beloved person" is from early 13c. The sense
"no score" (in tennis, etc.) is 1742, from the notion of "playing for
love," i.e. "for nothing" (1670s). Love-letter is attested from
mid-13c.; love-song from early 14c. To be in love with (someone) is
from c.1500. Love life "one's collective amorous activities" is from
1919, originally a term in psychological jargon. Love affair is from
1590s. Phrase for love or money "for anything" is attested from 1580s.
To fall in love is attested from early 15c. The phrase no love lost
(between two people) is ambiguous and was used 17c. in ref. to two who
love each other well (c.1640) as well as two who have no love for each
other (1620s).
O.E. lufu "love, affection, friendliness," from P.Gmc. *lubo (cf.
O.Fris. liaf, Ger. lieb, Goth. liufs "dear, beloved;" not found
elsewhere as a noun, except O.H.G. luba, Ger. Liebe), from PIE *leubh-
"to care, desire, love" (cf. L. lubet, later libet "pleases;" Skt.
lubhyati "desires;" O.C.S. l'ubu "dear, beloved;" Lith. liaupse "song
of praise"). Meaning "a beloved person" is from early 13c. The sense
"no score" (in tennis, etc.) is 1742, from the notion of "playing for
love," i.e. "for nothing" (1670s). Love-letter is attested from
mid-13c.; love-song from early 14c. To be in love with (someone) is
from c.1500. Love life "one's collective amorous activities" is from
1919, originally a term in psychological jargon. Love affair is from
1590s. Phrase for love or money "for anything" is attested from 1580s.
To fall in love is attested from early 15c. The phrase no love lost
(between two people) is ambiguous and was used 17c. in ref. to two who
love each other well (c.1640) as well as two who have no love for each
other (1620s).
Mercedes Barr
Sep 18, 2011, 8:11:58 PM9/18/11
to English 4
true
O.E. triewe (W.Saxon), treowe (Mercian) "faithful, trustworthy," from
P.Gmc. *trewwjaz "having or characterized by good faith" (cf. O.Fris.
triuwi, Du. getrouw, O.H.G. gatriuwu, Ger. treu, O.N. tryggr, Goth.
triggws "faithful, trusty"), perhaps ultimately from PIE *dru- "tree,"
on the notion of "steadfast as an oak." Cf., from same root, Lith.
drutas "firm," Welsh drud, O.Ir. dron "strong," Welsh derw "true,"
O.Ir. derb "sure." Sense of "consistent with fact" first recorded c.
1200; that of "real, genuine, not counterfeit" is from late 14c.; that
of "agreeing with a certain standard" (as true north) is from c.1550.
Of artifacts, "accurately fitted or shaped" it is recorded from late
15c.; the verb in this sense is from 1841. True-love (adj.) is
recorded from late 15c.; true-born first attested 1590s. True-false as
a type of test question is recorded from 1923.
O.E. triewe (W.Saxon), treowe (Mercian) "faithful, trustworthy," from
P.Gmc. *trewwjaz "having or characterized by good faith" (cf. O.Fris.
triuwi, Du. getrouw, O.H.G. gatriuwu, Ger. treu, O.N. tryggr, Goth.
triggws "faithful, trusty"), perhaps ultimately from PIE *dru- "tree,"
on the notion of "steadfast as an oak." Cf., from same root, Lith.
drutas "firm," Welsh drud, O.Ir. dron "strong," Welsh derw "true,"
O.Ir. derb "sure." Sense of "consistent with fact" first recorded c.
1200; that of "real, genuine, not counterfeit" is from late 14c.; that
of "agreeing with a certain standard" (as true north) is from c.1550.
Of artifacts, "accurately fitted or shaped" it is recorded from late
15c.; the verb in this sense is from 1841. True-love (adj.) is
recorded from late 15c.; true-born first attested 1590s. True-false as
a type of test question is recorded from 1923.
Erin Moore
Sep 18, 2011, 8:59:39 PM9/18/11
to English 4
angel (n.)
14c. fusion of O.E. engel (with hard -g-) and O.Fr. angele, both from
L. angelus, from Gk. angelos "messenger, envoy, one that announces,"
possibly related to angaros "mounted courier," both from an unknown
Oriental source (Watkins compares Skt. ajira- "swift;" Klein suggests
Semitic sources). Used in Scriptural translations for Heb. mal'akh
(yehowah) "messenger (of Jehovah)," from base l-'-k "to send." An O.E.
word for it was aerendgast, lit. "errand-spirit." Of persons, "loving;
lovely," by 1590s. The medieval gold coin (a new issue of the noble,
first struck 1465 by Edward VI) was so called for the image of
archangel Michael slaying the dragon, which was stamped on it. It was
the coin given to patients who had been "touched" for the King's Evil.
Angel food cake is from 1881; angel dust "phencyclidine" is from 1968.
14c. fusion of O.E. engel (with hard -g-) and O.Fr. angele, both from
L. angelus, from Gk. angelos "messenger, envoy, one that announces,"
possibly related to angaros "mounted courier," both from an unknown
Oriental source (Watkins compares Skt. ajira- "swift;" Klein suggests
Semitic sources). Used in Scriptural translations for Heb. mal'akh
(yehowah) "messenger (of Jehovah)," from base l-'-k "to send." An O.E.
word for it was aerendgast, lit. "errand-spirit." Of persons, "loving;
lovely," by 1590s. The medieval gold coin (a new issue of the noble,
first struck 1465 by Edward VI) was so called for the image of
archangel Michael slaying the dragon, which was stamped on it. It was
the coin given to patients who had been "touched" for the King's Evil.
Angel food cake is from 1881; angel dust "phencyclidine" is from 1968.
Caroline Pray
Sep 18, 2011, 9:05:49 PM9/18/11
to English 4
enigma
1580s, earlier enigmate (mid-15c.), from L. aenigma "riddle," from Gk.
ainigma (pl. ainigmata), from ainissesthai "speak obscurely, speak in
riddles," from ainos "fable, riddle," of unknown origin.
1580s, earlier enigmate (mid-15c.), from L. aenigma "riddle," from Gk.
ainigma (pl. ainigmata), from ainissesthai "speak obscurely, speak in
riddles," from ainos "fable, riddle," of unknown origin.
Tarry Boyd
Sep 18, 2011, 9:08:59 PM9/18/11
to jkarschnik...@googlegroups.com
- zest
- 1670s, from Fr. zeste "piece of orange or lemon peel used as a flavoring," of unknown origin. Sense of "thing that adds flavor" is 1709; that of "keen enjoyment" first attested 1791.
Nick Stauble
Sep 18, 2011, 10:57:35 PM9/18/11
to English 4
hacienda
1760, from Sp. hacienda "landed estate, plantation," earlier
facienda, from L. facienda "things to be done," from facere "to
do" (see factitious). For noun use of a Latin gerundive, cf. agenda.
The change of Latin f- to Spanish h- is characteristic; e.g. hablar
from fabulari, hacer from facere, hecho from factum, hermoso from
formosum. Confusion of initial h- and f- was common in 16c. Spanish;
the conquistador is known in contemporary records as both Hernando and
Fernando Cortés. The owner of one is a hacendado.
1760, from Sp. hacienda "landed estate, plantation," earlier
facienda, from L. facienda "things to be done," from facere "to
do" (see factitious). For noun use of a Latin gerundive, cf. agenda.
The change of Latin f- to Spanish h- is characteristic; e.g. hablar
from fabulari, hacer from facere, hecho from factum, hermoso from
formosum. Confusion of initial h- and f- was common in 16c. Spanish;
the conquistador is known in contemporary records as both Hernando and
Fernando Cortés. The owner of one is a hacendado.
Samantha Geiger
Sep 18, 2011, 11:28:46 PM9/18/11
to English 4
macaroni
1590s, from southern Italian dialectal maccaroni (It. maccheroni), pl.
of *maccarone, possibly from maccare "bruise, batter, crush," of
unknown origin, or from late Gk. makaria "food made from barley." Used
after c.1764 to mean "fop, dandy" (e.g. "Yankee Doodle") because it
was an exotic dish at a time when certain young men who had traveled
the continent were affecting French and Italian fashions and accents.
There is said to have been a Macaroni Club in Britain, which was the
immediate source of the term.
1590s, from southern Italian dialectal maccaroni (It. maccheroni), pl.
of *maccarone, possibly from maccare "bruise, batter, crush," of
unknown origin, or from late Gk. makaria "food made from barley." Used
after c.1764 to mean "fop, dandy" (e.g. "Yankee Doodle") because it
was an exotic dish at a time when certain young men who had traveled
the continent were affecting French and Italian fashions and accents.
There is said to have been a Macaroni Club in Britain, which was the
immediate source of the term.
Sara Maxwell
Sep 19, 2011, 10:26:09 AM9/19/11
to English 4
cesspool- (n)
1670s, the first element perhaps an alteration of cistern, perhaps an
aphetic form of recess; or the whole may be an alteration of suspiral
(c.1400), "drainpipe," from O.Fr. sospiral "a vent, air hole," from
sospirer "breathe," from L. suspirare "breathe deep." Meaning extended
to "tank at the end of the pipe," which led to folk etymology change
in final syllable. Other possible etymologies: It. cesso "privy," from
L. secessus "place of retirement" (in L.L. "privy, drain"); dialectal
suspool, from suss, soss "puddle;" or cess "a bog on the banks of a
tidal river."
.
1670s, the first element perhaps an alteration of cistern, perhaps an
aphetic form of recess; or the whole may be an alteration of suspiral
(c.1400), "drainpipe," from O.Fr. sospiral "a vent, air hole," from
sospirer "breathe," from L. suspirare "breathe deep." Meaning extended
to "tank at the end of the pipe," which led to folk etymology change
in final syllable. Other possible etymologies: It. cesso "privy," from
L. secessus "place of retirement" (in L.L. "privy, drain"); dialectal
suspool, from suss, soss "puddle;" or cess "a bog on the banks of a
tidal river."
.
dj Andrews
Sep 19, 2011, 11:14:48 AM9/19/11
to English 4
-fication
suffix meaning "a making or causing," from L. -ficationem (nom. -
ficatio), ultimately from facere "to make, do" (see factitious).
suffix meaning "a making or causing," from L. -ficationem (nom. -
ficatio), ultimately from facere "to make, do" (see factitious).
Heather Stone
Sep 19, 2011, 12:13:55 PM9/19/11
to English 4
Carrot
1530s, from M.Fr. carrotte, from L. carota, from Gk. karoton "carrot,"
from PIE *kre-, from base *ker- "horn, head," so called for its horn-
like shape. Originally white-rooted and a medicinal plant to the
ancients, who used it as an aphrodisiac and to prevent poisoning. Not
entirely distinguished from parsnips in ancient times. Reintroduced in
Europe by Arabs c.1100. The orange carrot, perhaps as early as 6c.,
probably began as a mutation of the Asian purple carrot and was
cultivated into the modern edible plant 16c.-17c. in the Netherlands.
Planted as a garden vegetable by 1609 by Jamestown colonists.
1530s, from M.Fr. carrotte, from L. carota, from Gk. karoton "carrot,"
from PIE *kre-, from base *ker- "horn, head," so called for its horn-
like shape. Originally white-rooted and a medicinal plant to the
ancients, who used it as an aphrodisiac and to prevent poisoning. Not
entirely distinguished from parsnips in ancient times. Reintroduced in
Europe by Arabs c.1100. The orange carrot, perhaps as early as 6c.,
probably began as a mutation of the Asian purple carrot and was
cultivated into the modern edible plant 16c.-17c. in the Netherlands.
Planted as a garden vegetable by 1609 by Jamestown colonists.
Olivia Robertson
Sep 19, 2011, 3:23:21 PM9/19/11
to English 4
dolphin
mid-14c., from O.Fr. daulphin, from M.L. dolfinus, from L. delphinus
"dolphin," from Gk. delphis (gen. delphinos) "dolphin," related to
delphys "womb," perhaps via notion of the animal bearing live young,
or from its shape, from PIE *gwelbh-. Popularly applied to the dorado
from late 16c.
mid-14c., from O.Fr. daulphin, from M.L. dolfinus, from L. delphinus
"dolphin," from Gk. delphis (gen. delphinos) "dolphin," related to
delphys "womb," perhaps via notion of the animal bearing live young,
or from its shape, from PIE *gwelbh-. Popularly applied to the dorado
from late 16c.
Madison Sloan
Sep 19, 2011, 5:56:28 PM9/19/11
to English 4
inspire (v.) mid-14c., enspiren, "to fill (the mind, heart, etc., with
grace, etc.);" also "to prompt or induce (someone to do something),"
from O.Fr. enspirer (13c.), from L. inspirare "inflame; blow
into" (see inspiration), a loan-translation of Gk. pnein in the Bible.
General sense of "influence or animate with an idea or purpose" is
from late 14c. Also sometimes used in literal sense in M.E. Related:
Inspired; inspires; inspiring.
grace, etc.);" also "to prompt or induce (someone to do something),"
from O.Fr. enspirer (13c.), from L. inspirare "inflame; blow
into" (see inspiration), a loan-translation of Gk. pnein in the Bible.
General sense of "influence or animate with an idea or purpose" is
from late 14c. Also sometimes used in literal sense in M.E. Related:
Inspired; inspires; inspiring.
Tess Colby
Sep 19, 2011, 5:56:44 PM9/19/11
to English 4
cheese (n.)
O.E. cyse "cheese," from W.Gmc. *kasjus (cf. O.S. kasi, O.H.G. chasi,
Ger. Käse, M.Du. case, Du. kaas), from L. caseus "cheese" (cf. It.
cacio, Sp. queso, Ir. caise, Welsh caws), perhaps from a PIE base
*kwat- "to ferment, become sour" (cf. Prakrit chasi "buttermilk;"
O.C.S. kvasu "leaven," kyselu "sour," kyseti "to turn sour;" Skt.
kvathati "boils, seethes," Goth. hwaþjan "foam"). Also cf. fromage.
Earliest references would be to compressed curds of milk used as food;
pressed or molded cheeses with rinds are 14c.
As a photographer's word to make subjects hold a smile, it is attested
from 1930, but in a reminiscence of schoolboy days, which suggests an
earlier use. To make cheeses was a schoolgirls' amusement (1835) of
wheeling rapidly so one's petticoats blew out in a circle then
dropping down so they came to rest inflated and resembling a wheel of
cheese; hence, used figuratively for "a deep curtsey." Cheese as "the
proper thing," and perhaps in expressions such as big cheese, is from
Urdu chiz "a thing," from Persian chiz, from O.Pers. *ciš-ciy
"something," from PIE pronomial stem *kwo- (see who). Picked up by
British in India by 1818 and used in the sense of "a big
thing" (especially in the phrase the real chiz).
*I'm sorry this is late Mr. Karschnik. My internet has been down all
weekend and my dad couldn't come to fix it until today.*
O.E. cyse "cheese," from W.Gmc. *kasjus (cf. O.S. kasi, O.H.G. chasi,
Ger. Käse, M.Du. case, Du. kaas), from L. caseus "cheese" (cf. It.
cacio, Sp. queso, Ir. caise, Welsh caws), perhaps from a PIE base
*kwat- "to ferment, become sour" (cf. Prakrit chasi "buttermilk;"
O.C.S. kvasu "leaven," kyselu "sour," kyseti "to turn sour;" Skt.
kvathati "boils, seethes," Goth. hwaþjan "foam"). Also cf. fromage.
Earliest references would be to compressed curds of milk used as food;
pressed or molded cheeses with rinds are 14c.
As a photographer's word to make subjects hold a smile, it is attested
from 1930, but in a reminiscence of schoolboy days, which suggests an
earlier use. To make cheeses was a schoolgirls' amusement (1835) of
wheeling rapidly so one's petticoats blew out in a circle then
dropping down so they came to rest inflated and resembling a wheel of
cheese; hence, used figuratively for "a deep curtsey." Cheese as "the
proper thing," and perhaps in expressions such as big cheese, is from
Urdu chiz "a thing," from Persian chiz, from O.Pers. *ciš-ciy
"something," from PIE pronomial stem *kwo- (see who). Picked up by
British in India by 1818 and used in the sense of "a big
thing" (especially in the phrase the real chiz).
*I'm sorry this is late Mr. Karschnik. My internet has been down all
weekend and my dad couldn't come to fix it until today.*
Holly Busby
Sep 19, 2011, 5:57:27 PM9/19/11
to English 4
holly
mid-15c., earlier holin (mid-12c.), shortening of O.E. holegn "holly,"
from P.Gmc. *hulin- (cf. O.S., O.H.G. hulis, O.N. hulfr, M.Du. huls,
Du., Ger. hulst "holly"), cognate with M.Ir. cuilenn, Welsh celyn,
Gael. cuilionn "holly," probably all from PIE base *kel- "to
prick" (cf. O.C.S. kolja "to prick," Rus. kolos "ear of corn"), in
reference to its leaves. Fr. houx "holly" is from Frankish *huls or
some other Germanic source.
mid-15c., earlier holin (mid-12c.), shortening of O.E. holegn "holly,"
from P.Gmc. *hulin- (cf. O.S., O.H.G. hulis, O.N. hulfr, M.Du. huls,
Du., Ger. hulst "holly"), cognate with M.Ir. cuilenn, Welsh celyn,
Gael. cuilionn "holly," probably all from PIE base *kel- "to
prick" (cf. O.C.S. kolja "to prick," Rus. kolos "ear of corn"), in
reference to its leaves. Fr. houx "holly" is from Frankish *huls or
some other Germanic source.
Robert Loweth
Sep 19, 2011, 6:41:42 PM9/19/11
to English 4
slang (n.)
1756, "special vocabulary of tramps or thieves," later "jargon of a
particular profession" (1801), of uncertain origin, perhaps from a
Scandinavian source, cf. Norw. slengenamn "nickname," slengja kjeften
"to abuse with words," lit. "to sling the jaw," related to O.N.
slyngva "to sling." But OED, while admitting "some approximation in
sense," discounts this connection based on "date and early
associations." Liberman also denies it, as well as any connection with
Fr. langue. Rather, he derives it elaborately from an old word meaning
"narrow piece of land." Sense of "very informal language characterized
by vividness and novelty" first recorded 1818. A word that ought to
have survived is slangwhanger (1807, Amer.Eng.) "noisy or abusive
talker or writer."
1756, "special vocabulary of tramps or thieves," later "jargon of a
particular profession" (1801), of uncertain origin, perhaps from a
Scandinavian source, cf. Norw. slengenamn "nickname," slengja kjeften
"to abuse with words," lit. "to sling the jaw," related to O.N.
slyngva "to sling." But OED, while admitting "some approximation in
sense," discounts this connection based on "date and early
associations." Liberman also denies it, as well as any connection with
Fr. langue. Rather, he derives it elaborately from an old word meaning
"narrow piece of land." Sense of "very informal language characterized
by vividness and novelty" first recorded 1818. A word that ought to
have survived is slangwhanger (1807, Amer.Eng.) "noisy or abusive
talker or writer."
Isi Laborde-Edozien
Sep 19, 2011, 8:06:13 PM9/19/11
to English 4
clemency
1550s, "mildness or gentleness shown in exercise of authority," from
L. clementia "calmness, gentleness," from clemens "calm, mild,"
related to -clinare "to lean" (see lean (v.)) + participial suffix -
menos (also in alumnus). For sense evolution, cf. inclined in
secondary meaning "disposed favorably." Meaning "mildness of weather
or climate" is 1660s (a sense also in Latin); clement (adj.) is older
in both senses, late 15c. and 1620s respectively, but now is used only
in negation and only of the weather.
1550s, "mildness or gentleness shown in exercise of authority," from
L. clementia "calmness, gentleness," from clemens "calm, mild,"
related to -clinare "to lean" (see lean (v.)) + participial suffix -
menos (also in alumnus). For sense evolution, cf. inclined in
secondary meaning "disposed favorably." Meaning "mildness of weather
or climate" is 1660s (a sense also in Latin); clement (adj.) is older
in both senses, late 15c. and 1620s respectively, but now is used only
in negation and only of the weather.
Allen Crowell
Sep 19, 2011, 8:35:36 PM9/19/11
to English 4
Phenomenon
1570s, "fact, occurrence," from L.L. phænomenon, from Gk. phainomenon
"that which appears or is seen," noun use of neut. prp. of phainesthai
"to appear," passive of phainein (see phantasm). Meaning
"extraordinary occurrence" first recorded 1771. Plural is phenomena.
1570s, "fact, occurrence," from L.L. phænomenon, from Gk. phainomenon
"that which appears or is seen," noun use of neut. prp. of phainesthai
"to appear," passive of phainein (see phantasm). Meaning
"extraordinary occurrence" first recorded 1771. Plural is phenomena.
Lauren Lackey
Sep 19, 2011, 9:06:34 PM9/19/11
to English 4
enchantment (n.)
late 13c., from O.Fr. encantement, from enchanter "bewitch, charm,"
from L. incantare, lit. "enchant, cast a (magic) spell upon," from in-
"upon, into" (see in- (2)) + cantare "to sing" (see chant). Figurative
sense of "alluring" is from 1670s. Cf. O.E. galdor "song," also
"spell, enchantment," from galan "to sing," source of the second
element in nightingale.
late 13c., from O.Fr. encantement, from enchanter "bewitch, charm,"
from L. incantare, lit. "enchant, cast a (magic) spell upon," from in-
"upon, into" (see in- (2)) + cantare "to sing" (see chant). Figurative
sense of "alluring" is from 1670s. Cf. O.E. galdor "song," also
"spell, enchantment," from galan "to sing," source of the second
element in nightingale.
Evie Kirschke-Schwartz
Sep 19, 2011, 10:29:02 PM9/19/11
to English 4
za (n)
U.S. student slang shortening of pizza, attested from 1968.
def: Slang .
pizza.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin:
1965–70, Americanism ; by shortening and alteration
I've never heard anyone call pizza Za before..
U.S. student slang shortening of pizza, attested from 1968.
def: Slang .
pizza.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin:
1965–70, Americanism ; by shortening and alteration
I've never heard anyone call pizza Za before..
Caitlin Neal
Sep 20, 2011, 2:49:39 PM9/20/11
to English 4
noodle (v.)
"improvised music" (n.), 1926, probably from noodle (n.), on analogy
of the suppleness of the food and that of the trills and improvised
phrases. The verb is first attested 1937 (implied in noodling).
"improvised music" (n.), 1926, probably from noodle (n.), on analogy
of the suppleness of the food and that of the trills and improvised
phrases. The verb is first attested 1937 (implied in noodling).
Felicia Brookman
Sep 21, 2011, 3:30:18 PM9/21/11
to English 4
audacity mid-15c., from M.L. audacitas "boldness," from L. audacis
gen. of audax (see audacious).
gen. of audax (see audacious).
TaylorGrace O'Quinn
Sep 21, 2011, 4:01:35 PM9/21/11
to English 4
Menagerie 1712, "collection of wild animals kept in captivity," from
Fr. ménagerie "housing for domestic animals," from O.Fr. menage(see
menage) We Bought a Zoo - 12/23 A Remarkable True Story Comes to Life.
Fr. ménagerie "housing for domestic animals," from O.Fr. menage(see
menage) We Bought a Zoo - 12/23 A Remarkable True Story Comes to Life.
Emily Hines
Sep 21, 2011, 6:15:26 PM9/21/11
to English 4
trampoline:
1798, from Sp. trampolin "springboard," and It. trampolino, from
trampoli "stilts," from a Germanic source (cf. Low Ger. trampeln
"trample") related to tramp.
1798, from Sp. trampolin "springboard," and It. trampolino, from
trampoli "stilts," from a Germanic source (cf. Low Ger. trampeln
"trample") related to tramp.
Morgan Leary
Sep 21, 2011, 7:34:35 PM9/21/11
to English 4
Lie(v) - "speak falsely," O.E. legan, ligan, earlier leogan (class II
strong verb; past tense leag, pp. logen), from P.Gmc. *leugan (cf.
O.N. ljuga, Dan. lyve, O.Fris. liaga, Ger. lügen, Goth. liugan), from
PIE base *leugh- "to tell a lie."
strong verb; past tense leag, pp. logen), from P.Gmc. *leugan (cf.
O.N. ljuga, Dan. lyve, O.Fris. liaga, Ger. lügen, Goth. liugan), from
PIE base *leugh- "to tell a lie."
Message has been deleted
Jason Halkias
Sep 21, 2011, 9:12:28 PM9/21/11
to English 4
fly
"to soar through air," O.E. fleogan "to fly" (class II strong verb;
past tense fleag, pp. flogen), from W.Gmc. *fleuganan (cf. O.S.,
O.H.G. fliogan, O.N. flügja, O.Fris. fliaga, M.Du. vlieghen, Du.
vliegen, Ger. fliegen), from PIE *pleu- "flowing, floating" (see
pluvial). Notion of "flapping as a wing does" led to noun sense of
"tent flap" (1810), which yielded (1844) "covering for buttons that
close up a garment." The noun sense of "a flight, flying" is from
mid-15c. Baseball fly ball attested by 1866. Slang phrase fly off the
handle "lose one's cool" dates from 1825. To do something on the fly
is 1856, apparently from baseball.
"to soar through air," O.E. fleogan "to fly" (class II strong verb;
past tense fleag, pp. flogen), from W.Gmc. *fleuganan (cf. O.S.,
O.H.G. fliogan, O.N. flügja, O.Fris. fliaga, M.Du. vlieghen, Du.
vliegen, Ger. fliegen), from PIE *pleu- "flowing, floating" (see
pluvial). Notion of "flapping as a wing does" led to noun sense of
"tent flap" (1810), which yielded (1844) "covering for buttons that
close up a garment." The noun sense of "a flight, flying" is from
mid-15c. Baseball fly ball attested by 1866. Slang phrase fly off the
handle "lose one's cool" dates from 1825. To do something on the fly
is 1856, apparently from baseball.
Dalton Perkinson
Sep 21, 2011, 9:27:13 PM9/21/11
to English 4
congeal
late 14c., from O.Fr. congeler (14c.) "to freeze, thicken," from L.
congelare "to cause to freeze, to freeze together," from com-
"together" (see com-) + gelare "to freeze," from gelu "frost,
ice" (see cold). Related: Congealed; congealing.
late 14c., from O.Fr. congeler (14c.) "to freeze, thicken," from L.
congelare "to cause to freeze, to freeze together," from com-
"together" (see com-) + gelare "to freeze," from gelu "frost,
ice" (see cold). Related: Congealed; congealing.
Eli McIntosh
Sep 22, 2011, 1:14:28 AM9/22/11
to English 4
Eccentric (n.)
early 15c. (n.) "eccentric circle or orbit," 1550s (adj.), originally
a term in Ptolemaic astronomy, "circle or orbit not having the Earth
precisely at its center," from M.Fr. eccentrique and directly from
M.L. eccentricus (n. and adj.), from Gk. ekkentros "out of the
center" (as opposed to concentric), from ek "out" (see ex-) + kentron
"center" (see center). Figurative sense of "odd, whimsical" (adj.)
first recorded 1620s. Noun meaning person with such qualities first
attested 1832.
early 15c. (n.) "eccentric circle or orbit," 1550s (adj.), originally
a term in Ptolemaic astronomy, "circle or orbit not having the Earth
precisely at its center," from M.Fr. eccentrique and directly from
M.L. eccentricus (n. and adj.), from Gk. ekkentros "out of the
center" (as opposed to concentric), from ek "out" (see ex-) + kentron
"center" (see center). Figurative sense of "odd, whimsical" (adj.)
first recorded 1620s. Noun meaning person with such qualities first
attested 1832.
zach hotz
Sep 22, 2011, 8:49:45 PM9/22/11
to English 4
hillbilly "southern Appalachian resident," by 1892, from hill + masc.
proper name Billy/Billie.
Then again, I do not think It will do so well. I would hate to see
some old railroad man come here and take my job, and then, I don t
think It is right to hire some Hill Billy and give him the same right
as I just because he was hired the same time I was. ["The Railroad
Trainmen's Journal," vol. IX, July 1892]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In short, a Hill-Billie is a free and untrammelled white citizen of
Alabama, who lives in the hills, has no means to speak of, dresses as
he can, talks as he pleases, drinks whiskey when he gets it, and fires
of his revolver as the fancy takes him. ["New York Journal," April 23,
1900]
In reference to a type of folk music, first attested 1924.
proper name Billy/Billie.
Then again, I do not think It will do so well. I would hate to see
some old railroad man come here and take my job, and then, I don t
think It is right to hire some Hill Billy and give him the same right
as I just because he was hired the same time I was. ["The Railroad
Trainmen's Journal," vol. IX, July 1892]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In short, a Hill-Billie is a free and untrammelled white citizen of
Alabama, who lives in the hills, has no means to speak of, dresses as
he can, talks as he pleases, drinks whiskey when he gets it, and fires
of his revolver as the fancy takes him. ["New York Journal," April 23,
1900]
In reference to a type of folk music, first attested 1924.
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages