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Etymology (Meaning of Words)/Questions Answered by Expert Ted Nesbitt
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Etymology | 1/31/2012 |
| Q: I found your website interesting. I coach 6th formers on media occasionally and wondered if I could ... A: I apologize for being tardy in responding. I have been out of town for several days attending a ... | |
| Colloquialisms | 11/11/2011 |
| Q: Can you tell me the reason/history behind the phrase "Let's go Dutch" to indicate that each person ... A: According to "The Oxford English Dictionary," there was great enmity between the English and the ... | |
| meaning of bubkiss | 9/11/2011 |
| Q: Suze Ormond used the expresion, "You have bubkiss!" on her show recently. What does this mean, and ... A: Mike: The word has many spellings, but the usual one is "bupkis." It is of Yiddish origin and was ... | |
| video | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: does the word Video come from Sanskrit? A: According to "The Oxford English Dictionary," the word "video" is directly from the Latin. It ... | |
| A British Expression perhaps? | 5/1/2011 |
| Q: Your Question was: I'd appreciate your explaining to me what "with curtains" mean in the below ... A: John: "With curtains" is listed in various slang dictionaries [and online at the Urban Dictionary] ... | |
| heirloom | 1/1/2011 |
| Q: Can you please tell me when the word heirloom was first used or printed? Thank you A: The year was 1424 for WRITTEN English. It may have appeared before that time in ORAL English, but ... | |
| etymology of Ubiquitous | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: Firstly, thanks for taking your own personal time to respond to these questions that we all have! I ... A: Kim: I am answering your question with a little reluctance, because it has been a LONG time since I ... | |
| Borscht Belt | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: Who first used the term and where? A: The phrase "Borscht Belt" was first WRITTEN in the Gettysburg, PA Times newspaper on July 18, 1940. ... | |
| Possible origin of "to die for" plus commiseration | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Nesbitt, I'm genuinely sorry that you've had such difficulty with thoughtless correspondents; I ... A: Although you said your message was NOT a question, I was curious about the meaning of "to die" in a ... | |
| Legal document - parenthetical reference | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: Ted, you recently helped me with another question, so I thought I would go directly to you. At our ... A: Blue Ridge Community College (the College) and Susan Smith (the donor). MyIs the above ... | |
| Origin of "hot" (attractive) | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: I searched around a bit, but couldn't find any promising results. Do you by chance know (or could ... A: I want to add a couple of comments concerning your question and the ratings you gave my answer. ... | |
| orgin or word | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: Ted: I am wondering if the word "yeah", which comes from N.America, is likely to have arisen our of ... A: Your suggestion has some plausibility, but there is no proof that the two languages and the words ... | |
| Origin of the word Playoff | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: I am an avid football fan who has wondered about the word "playoff". I cannot find why the word play ... A: This took a few hours, because the verb "play" is used in so many different ways, so scouring ... | |
| butterflynames | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: I am a second grader at rum river elementary school and I would like to know how butterflies got ... A: The world's authority on the origins of words and phrases is the 22-volume "Oxford English ... | |
| Thank you! | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: I want to thank you for all the information you have shared. I have learned a great deal just ... A: Please accept my thanks for your very welcome message. It was a very warm Christmas gift. Earlier ... | |
| Thank you Mr Nesbitt | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: I am not here to ask a question. I came across the site purely by accident. I would to thank you ... A: Every once in a while, I get a message that is so inspirational that I pick myself up and keep on ... | |
| i want to know hte meaning of hte word "oor" | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: i am from iraq and i am in the third class in translation dep. i am trying to translate an economic ... A: You cannot find the word, because it doesn't exist. In the sentence you have quoted, there are two ... | |
| 18th century language | 10/11/2009 |
| Q: What are the words used instead of yes in the 18th century? Thank you A: I have spent some time searching various dictionaries and thesauri. "The Oxford English Dictionary" ... | |
| derivation of a word | 9/26/2009 |
| Q: I am sorry you were not thanked for your previous hard work. I promise I will not treat you so ... A: You promised to reply, so I have spent the last two hours trying to find the information for you. ... | |
| meaning of a word | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: Does the word "Munkowurlie" have a meaning? It is a area name, and could have a meaning in two ... A: Rob: I checked numerous geographical dictionaries and atlases, including "The Times Atlas of the ... | |
| word meaning | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: I've been reading a book that's set in Canada and have come across the word 'jeezledy'. From the way ... A: "Jeezledy" is a slang expression [considered by many to be in poor taste]. It is an abbreviated ... | |
| Please answer mine!! Please | 8/23/2009 |
| Q: I'll say thanks in person if I could but I'll rate and thank you, promise! But I need your help with ... A: The last few people who promised to "rate and thank me" did NOT do either, after I spend hours ... | |
| meaning of word | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: what does the name "Amarantine" mean ?? The singer Enya has a song that is named that. A: The word "Amarantine" comes from Greek mythology. "In Greek mythology, Amaranthus was a hunter of ... | |
| Ted, please help.Gratitude in advance | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: The derivation of "hysterectomized" is my question? I teach medical terminology and English as a ... A: The verb "hysterectomized" is from the noun "hysterectomy." The derivations are from the Greek ... | |
| Shenanigans | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: Hey Ted, Hope you're well. I got an email about some "shenanigans" and got to thinking where on ... A: When I read your message, I thought, "Of course, it's from Ireland. Shenanigans are those tricks ... | |
| phrase I read in "Sister Carrie" = fire signs | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: A few times in the book, the author Theodore Dreiser refers to "fire signs" over theaters and such. ... A: The "fire signs" were like today's neon signs. Your interpretation is correct. They were the first ... | |
| I respectfully ask you the meaning of a saying | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: I was taught to have manners and am respectful to most people so I promise you that I will thank you ... A: I can tell you what it means, but I have been unable to identify the country of origin, although the ... | |
| Please help? | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: August 7, 2009 Dear Mr. Nesbitt, I read that you are no longer accepting questions . . . but I ... A: I will do "one" more. Your question intrigues me. First, about "utmost" and "upmost." I have no ... | |
| Ted Come Back! | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: I recently discovered your expert answers and enjoy reading them aloud to my coworkers during our ... A: Fortunately, for you and your coworker, neither of you is correct. [But, she is closer than you ... | |
| That smarts. | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: One of my friends recently used the phrase "That smarts" after he hurt himself. I thought it was a ... A: Although it seems that the phrase "it smarts" or "that smarts" is colloquial in nature, its origin ... | |
| Phrase origins | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: My father used to say to me, when he was somewhat annoyed, "You're giving me the pip." Would you ... A: Michael: Accord to "The Oxford English Dictionary [OED]," the word [spelled pippe] was first used ... | |
| origin of saying | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: What's the origin of "in short order"? I think it's from diners and quick cooking. A: You are correct. The phrase originated in the United States and it definitely refers to food. ... | |
| Thank you and evaluation | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: Why, I wonder did I receive a message from allexperts.org saying that you couldn't answer my ... A: David: There are a number of options we [as experts] can use, when we get questions. I could have ... | |
| subiecisti | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: A local pub near my house has the moto "sub pedibus omnia subiecisti oves et boves" and I'm ... A: Dave. I have done some "pubbing" in various parts of the UK, but I've missed Leeds. I think I ... | |
| subiecisti | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: A local pub near my house has the moto "sub pedibus omnia subiecisti oves et boves" and I'm ... A: Dave: If there is any possibility that you had difficulty reading the inscription, I think I may be ... | |
| etymology | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: . i'm lookin for the etymology of the word gemstone , i searched for this word n' on dictionary.com ... A: First, ME stands for "Middle English" and OE stands for "Old English." The Old English period began ... | |
| Question | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: The term Single Parent began sometime during my young adult life replacing divorcee or unwed mother. ... A: Kathleen: You are welcome, Kathleen. It was an interesting project. Your evaluation is ... | |
| Question | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: The term Single Parent began sometime during my young adult life replacing divorcee or unwed mother. ... A: Kathleen: I have been doing some research for you. [I decided about two weeks ago, NEVER AGAIN to ... | |
| derivation of names | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: I would be interested to know how the name 'Peggy' is derived from Margaret. (I will thank you ... A: Lee: I regret attempting to answer your question. Your rating of "7" for my knowledge is NOT an ... | |
| expression | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: What does "going to hell in a hand basket" mean. Thanks for your time. A: Brooks: The phrase is chiefly used in North America. Another variation -- probably the original ... | |
| phrase | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: where and when did the phrase " a man's word is his bond" originate? Thanks Dan A: Dan: It is impossible to put an exact "where," "when," and "whom" to your question. The phrase has ... | |
| tinker | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: Why do we refer to small children as tinkers? A: I stopped taking questions, because of the last six that I answered, four of my responses have not ... | |
| etymology "know" | 3/29/2009 |
| Q: Nesbitt I would like to know when the modern English spelling of the word "know" came to be spelled ... A: I am not a linguist, so I cannot tell you "how it came about." However, "The Oxford English ... | |
| 'Gogues | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: Why is it that "pedagogue" and "demagogue" refer to people/occupations, but "synagogue" does not? A: Alex: The "gogue" means "to lead" or "to bring." A pedagogue leads children. A demagogue leads ... | |
| More Fun Than a Barrel of Monkeys | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: Back in the 1950's on the "Today" with host Dave Garroway, he tested that quote out. He rolled ... A: David: I'm not sure if you are asking a question or relating an instance of "a barrel of monkeys." ... | |
| Etymology of place name Ytterby in Sweden | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: Ytterby is a mining town near Stockholm, Sweden. The name of the town has given rise to the names of ... A: This took longer than I anticipated, because (1) I am not Swedish and (2) every source I checked ... | |
| Meaning/origin of word | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: acacia meaning and origin A: The word "acacia" is from the Latin language, but it was "borrowed" by the Greek language, and I ... | |
| meaning | 3/14/2009 |
| Q: meaning for the name 'jonah' and for the name 'rodney'.. thankyou for your patience... God bless ... A: Patricia: There are several websites where you can find the meanings for all the names on your ... | |
| mythical origins | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: like Brandon i too have the same assignment of finding words mythical origin.so far i have gotten ... A: Carol: Panic -- from Pan, the Greek god of pastures and shepherds, usually represented by the ... | |
| meaning | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: meaning for the name 'patricia' A: Your name means "noble." It comes from the Latin "patricius," which is related to "pater," meaning ... | |
| Old latin script and translation | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: I've been looking fot the tranlation and the old latin script for "Hope and faith". i've been ... A: A request: I used a Latin dictionary to find the word for "hope." I was certain that "faith" was ... | |
| word origination | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: what is the etomology of Attitude A: FOLLOW-UP I spent over an hour, researching your question and typing the answer to you. When you ... | |
| Latin - English Translation needed | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: I recently recieved a new boss at my job and in his signature line, he has the following quote, "Si ... A: Jami: It means, "if you wish [or want] peace, prepare for war." A modern way of saying it is "a ... | |
| quiz | 1/10/2009 |
| Q: what are two words that would describe an old story that has been told too many times...the second ... A: John: Although you posted this message as a "follow-up," Allexperts counts it as a separate ... | |
| Etymology | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: I'll tell you what I am doing as I may have to ask your help occasionally in the months to come. I ... A: Alan: Here's what I have found. *****From "The Oxford English Dictionary" -- AVOCET [a. F. ... | |
| Etymology | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: I'll tell you what I am doing as I may have to ask your help occasionally in the months to come. I ... A: I am happy to help you. It will take me some time to research the two names. I am in the midst of ... | |
| Etymology | 11/3/2008 |
| Q: I will acknowledge any answer. I am an expert on this site under pharmacology and frequently get as ... A: Yes, it is very exasperating to spend hours, researching and typing answers -- and then (1) never ... | |
| meaning? | 11/2/2008 |
| Q: What does "by George" mean and what is it's origin. Thank you. A: FOLLOW-UP JC, I spent a good deal of time giving you a prompt and conclusive answer. My service is ... | |
| good works | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: one ungrateful person should not make you give up what seems like lots of fun and a great service to ... A: First, there have been MANY questioners that have been ungrateful, but I keep on serving. Second, ... | |
| An English exclamation | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: I am curious about the history of the exclamation "Hell's bells and panther tracks!" Using the ... A: The expression is American in origin. It is referenced in "The Dictionary of American Regional ... | |
| Etymology of a phrase | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: What's the etymology of the phrase, "Go soak your head?" A co-worker indicated it was an ... A: Will: Your co-worker has problems. "Go soak your head" is synonymous with "Go fly a kite." I ... | |
| advanced degrees in etymology.. | 6/12/2008 |
| Q: sir. I was wondering how I might go about obtaining an advanced degree that is etymologically ... A: FOLLOW-UP: I believe that the book I used is "Word Wealth," by Ward S. Miller. [New York : Holt, ... | |
| phrase/origin | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: origin:pull my leg sentence:are you pulling my leg? A: Bruce: The phrase "pulling my leg" originated in England. It was first used in 1888. It means "to ... | |
| Origin of phrase "death before dishonour" | 6/6/2008 |
| Q: Please can you tell me where, when and/or from whom the phrase, "Death before dishonour" originated? A: PLEASE TAKE JUST A FEW SECONDS TO EVALUATE MY ANSWER. YOUR QUESTION STILL REMAINS IN MY INBOX AND ... | |
| Hello | 6/3/2008 |
| Q: hi what is the meaning of braille A: "Braille" refers to a reading system developed by Louis Braille, a Frenchman who taught blind ... | |
| poem interpretation | 4/7/2008 |
| Q: Nesbitt, I was just wondering if you could help me with the meaning of this phrase, "For me, my ... A: Hannah: In prose, an adjective clause modifies the noun that immediately precedes it. "That memory ... | |
| translation of coat of arms | 4/5/2008 |
| Q: a friend has a coat of arms and asked me to see if I could find out what it meant ... a amari ... A: Coral: FOLLOW UP RESPONSE: I answered your question quickly, less than three hours after you sent ... | |
| varyn | 2/9/2008 |
| Q: ..seem to got a very strange message( i.m not crazy) that shows the words ' AM I VARYN '? cam anyone ... A: Diana: After a couple of hours of searching -- EVERYWHERE! -- I can come up with two possibilities, ... | |
| Security, plural | 2/2/2008 |
| Q: Why to express the concept of bonds, stocks, etc., the word "security" is used as in "Securities and ... A: FOLLOW UP TO YOUR RESPONSE: Francesco, It is sad that you felt my lack of clarity and lack of ... | |
| Security, plural "securities" | 2/1/2008 |
| Q: Why to express the concept of bonds, stocks, etc., the word "security" is used as in "Securities and ... A: The meaning of "securities" in the name of the U. S. government agency is this -- from "Webster's ... | |
| politics | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: On the off chance the information above is incorrect, I will send my question -- with the solemn ... A: I'd like to ask a favor of you. If you look at my ratings, you'll see that, with very few ... | |
| gregarious | 12/31/2007 |
| Q: Can vocabulary be gregarious? A: FOLLOW UP TO YOUR QUESTION -- I wonder if you might mean the word "garrulous," which means ... | |
| prosthelytize | 12/12/2007 |
| Q: You recently verified the spelling of this word, but could you verify its meaning? I have always ... A: Larry: I do not remember this question, and I can't find it in my "answered questions list." If ... | |
| Christmas Word association | 12/4/2007 |
| Q: Does any one know Which word associated with christmas means 'we can act anything' ? Please help A: Rebecca: The word is "pantomime." Here is the link for an online quiz site that asks ... | |
| word entomology | 10/26/2007 |
| Q: I am lookingfor the oldest use of the word geek inthe english (or old) language. Can you help? A: Ben: "The Oxford English Dictionary" is the universally accepted resource for finding the earliest ... | |
| Astralian slang term - crikey | 10/24/2007 |
| Q: Could you please tell me where the Australian slang erm "crikey" came from, and what is it's ... A: Eddie: "Crikey" is Australian slang, which some people find offensive, since it is a variation of ... | |
| word origin | 10/15/2007 |
| Q: where did the word compassion originate? A: The word "compassion" was borrowed by the English from the French. The French word is originally ... | |
| origins | 9/28/2007 |
| Q: Where does the expression "high and dry" come from? As to leave someone "high and dry." A: Paul: The phrase was originally used as a maritime or nautical expression, in reference to ships ... | |
| A LION IN YOUR STOMACH | 9/27/2007 |
| Q: SOME THOUGHT IT MEANT THAT YOU WERE REALLY HUNGRY AND YOUR STOMACH WAS GROWLING WHILE HE THINKS IT ... A: It means that you are really "motivated and going places." One definition I found relates it to the ... | |
| I fly | 9/25/2007 |
| Q: I know what you mean about the lose of etiquette in this fast paced world. I am a dental technician. ... A: Marianne: The Latin word [the infinitive] for "to fly" is "volare." The first person, singular is ... | |
| teton | 9/21/2007 |
| Q: I know how to say thank you! Thank you for reading my question and hopefully supplying a definitive ... A: I started working on your question about five hours ago. Then a student, who is having personal ... | |
| translation please | 9/18/2007 |
| Q: Can you please translate Ecce novum astrum A: Ruth: The word "ecce" means "behold." "Novum astrum" means "new star." "Novum can also mean "the ... | |
| I will thank you often and quickly.... | 8/12/2007 |
| Q: Ted, do you know the etymology of pea-brained or pea-brain? I realize that after you spent your ... A: Your question made me curious, so I did the research. I guessed that the phrase has been around ... | |
| Etymology, origin of phrase/word | 8/2/2007 |
| Q: What is the origin of BULLSEYE in the context of Archery? Is it directly related to the appearance ... A: Peter: The origin is rather unclear, specifically in relationship to archery. The phrase "bull's ... | |
| weaving | 8/2/2007 |
| Q: Im trying to find the etymology of the word "weaving' Id appreciate any help LaVerne A: "The Oxford English Dictionary -- the ultimate authority on word origins in the English language -- ... | |
| origin of the world "teenager" | 7/31/2007 |
| Q: Our pastor has mentioned that he thought the world "teenager" originated around 1950. One site ... A: Glen: I am pasting in below the entries from "The Oxford English Dictionary," the most ... | |
| latin words interpret | 7/26/2007 |
| Q: There are words on our Pioneers of Alaska 1907 certificate of enrollment "ecce novum astrum" and I ... A: Please take a few seconds to complete the evaluation of this answer. The word "ecce" means ... | |
| Rap | 7/18/2007 |
| Q: hoping you can settle a dispute. We were talking about the word "Rap" and my collegue insists that ... A: David: If I agree with you [rap or dialogue came before rap as music], then you'll give me a great ... | |
| meaning of a phrase | 7/17/2007 |
| Q: where does the phrase" drop your bundle" originate from? A: First, I am going to beg you to complete the evaluation form that will be attached to my answer. I ... | |
| Celitc/Gallic | 5/31/2007 |
| Q: I understand this isn't your field of study and so I do apologize if this seems annoying or anything ... A: Tom: This is FAR FAR away from the etymology of the English language, but there is an excellent ... | |
| regional dictionaries for "bite me" | 5/14/2007 |
| Q: You had told the original person who asked for the etymology of "bite me" that you would check the ... A: Jared: It took me quite a while to look through the regionalisms dictionaries, along with many ... | |
| language | 5/9/2007 |
| Q: where does the word nightmare come from. What does the word "mare" mean?? And why is it associated ... A: Gail: The word "mare" has its origins in MANY forms in MANY languages, with "mare" being the ... | |
| Bite me? | 4/29/2007 |
| Q: What is the origin of the retort "bite me"? An Aussie with North American friends, I am often ... A: Sarah: Shakespeare used the express "bite me," but NOT in the sense that the slang phrase is used ... | |
| Bernard Shaw | 4/29/2007 |
| Q: Do you know if there is Morris' Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins on-line? I have 50 phrases to ... A: Morris' "Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins" is NOT available online. You must use a library ... | |
| Barbarians | 4/20/2007 |
| Q: I certainly do appreciate any help you may be able to give me. So I will say Thank You in advance. ... A: Joan: You are "partially" correct. The name originated with the Romans, in reference to the people ... | |
| Curse of Lilith | 4/20/2007 |
| Q: Just ran across this reference in a book and can find no direct reference to it on the Internet or ... A: Don: This is not an etymological question, but I have an interest in mythology, so I thought I'd ... | |
| derivation of a phrase | 4/13/2007 |
| Q: In your opinion, what is the derivation of the phrase: "The whole nine yards." Thank you, Peter A: Peter: I don't have "opinions" about word or phrase origins. I do my best to give the facts . . . ... | |
| Sit up versus sit down | 4/10/2007 |
| Q: Nesbitt, my family of origin has always used "sit up" as a call to dinner. Not as a posture ... A: Because I have spent a great deal of time looking for your answer and trying to type this message, ... | |
| Sorry to hear your instructions | 4/3/2007 |
| Q: I just spent a delightful interlude reading questions and answers and enjoy your work so much I have ... A: I checked several regional dictionaries for idioms in the United States, but I found nothing that ... | |
| Derivation | 3/31/2007 |
| Q: What is the derivation of pussy-foot? Curious how it entered the language. A: Andrew -- According to "The Oxford English Dictionary" [OED] -- the "bible" of the etymological ... | |
| verbal expressions | 2/6/2007 |
| Q: How did the expression "pining for" originate? A: The verb "pine" comes from the Old English "pinian," which was derived from the Latin word "poena," ... | |
| English grammar | 2/4/2007 |
| Q: Two questions really; firstly would you classify the word 'gunnery' as an abstract noun? Secondly, ... A: "Gunnery" is an abstract noun. Check these definitions: An abstract noun refers to states, events, ... | |
| Meaning of common saying | 1/16/2007 |
| Q: When we want to crawl out of our skin we say, "That gives me the EBGBs." What does EBGB stand for? A: Diane: The phrase has various spellings, but I have never seen it as "EBGBs." The usual spelling ... | |
| etymology of ewe | 1/11/2007 |
| Q: What is the etymology of the word ewe? A: The English word "ewe," a female sheep, can be traced back to several ancient languages, most ... | |
| meaning | 12/23/2006 |
| Q: l want to know the meaning of "All glitters is not gold" and "Every cloud has a silver lining" A: Here are the actual meanings of the expressions [sometimes called "adages"] -- All that glitters is ... | |
| By all means | 11/10/2006 |
| Q: Where did the phrase by all means come from and how was it originally used? A: This phrase is very peculiar. The original version was "by all ways" and the NEGATIVE version was ... | |
| pear-shaped | 11/6/2006 |
| Q: Don't tknow whether this will get to you, given the above, but I'll try it anyway (with thanks in ... A: I didn't respond when I first got your message, because I needed to do a little research. That ... | |
| etymology | 10/31/2006 |
| Q: etymology and origin of: Judgmental A: "Judgmental" is the adjectival version of the word "judge," which is both a noun and a verb. The ... | |
| Idiomatic use of "kumbaya" | 10/27/2006 |
| Q: I'm a reporter trying to track down this idiom. Obviously, it's originally the title of a song. And ... A: Jeffrey: Dear Jeffrey: I couldn't find a personal e-mail address for you at "The Dallas Morning ... | |
| meaning of word | 10/9/2006 |
| Q: It's the word 'prosthelytize' Ted. Am I spelling it right? If so, why is it so hard to track down a ... A: Tony: THANK YOU for helping me. Your evaluation came through with no problems. I think that the ... | |
| We confirm that no dues are lying to our company in your name. | 9/26/2006 |
| Q: A company writes " We confirm that no dues are lying to our company in your name ". What does it ... A: The company's statement is very strange. It certainly is NOT good English. The person who wrote ... | |
| To die for | 9/24/2006 |
| Q: Looking for the historical origin of "to die for" A: Lisa: I once received a "9" for politeness, but the questioner followed that evaluation with an ... | |
| when | 9/12/2006 |
| Q: Ted, Although the site says you're available, the instructions say you're not taking questions. On ... A: OK -- I have checked more than 20 slang, jargon, and dialect dictionaries. The phrase is mid-20th ... | |
| idiomatic expression | 9/7/2006 |
| Q: I am really sorry to read what you say about a rude questioner, and your unhappy response. If you ... A: I don't know if I can tell you the exact "origin" of the phrase, since it most likely was used as an ... | |
| Pirate lingo | 9/3/2006 |
| Q: Why do pirates say shiver me timbers and what is the meaning of the saying. A: John: I've had this same question several times, and I was able to find the answer I sent to ... | |
| what does "slainte mhath"... | 5/7/2006 |
| Q: what does "slainte mhath" mean? i dont even know where it comes from. thank you for your time A: It is an expression used in some areas of Ireland and Scotland -- it's from the Gaelic language. ... | |
| ne plus ultra | 11/6/2005 |
| Q: I heard that ne plus ultra was inscribed on the spanish coins in Columbus day, and ne was x'd out ... A: Jerry: They weren't really "Xed" out, but new coins reflected the discoveries of Columbus. You ... | |
| Stevedore | 11/2/2005 |
| Q: What is the origin of the word "Stevedore"? Thanks. A: Jim: The word "stevedore," once spelled "stowadore," is from the Spanish words "estivador," the ... | |
| "I'll go he" | 9/17/2005 |
| Q: I have always been curious about the origin of the expression "I'll go he", which is popular among ... A: FOLLOW-UP Two librarians from Australia have responded, and I have the source of the phrase . . . ... | |
| Mr. Nesbitt, what about the word GOLF? | 9/11/2005 |
| Q: I'd like to know about the etymology of the name of this sport: GOLF. Thanks for paying ... A: First, there is a fictional account about the origin of the word "golf," to the effect that it was ... | |
| Kensa: origin and definition | 7/14/2005 |
| Q: It is our understanding that the word kensa has several origins...one of which is japanese and means ... A: Kate: My expertise is "etymology of the English language." I specialize in the origins of words ... | |
| Language | 7/11/2005 |
| Q: I am looking for the meaning of the word "tashi". Can you tell me what it means? A: Josh: I volunteer as an expert in the study of ENGLISH word origins. TASHI is not an English word. ... | |
| Latin Translation | 6/22/2005 |
| Q: I asked a while ago about the Latin for fate etc, can you please just confirm that " Vis Fati" ... A: Steve: I don't remember sending you this phrase, but it is correct. I am pasting in below, a ... | |
| Sleeping your head into train oil | 6/21/2005 |
| Q: My mother, whom I sadly lost this year, used this expression when we were younger to imply we were ... A: This expression is almost always used by Scots -- or those who have migrated to other countries, ... | |
| doctor | 6/17/2005 |
| Q: Easy question Could you help me with the origin of the word Doctor Thank you for your time Mark A: Mark: Here is the information from "The Oxford English Dictionary" [OED] -- the "bible" of the ... | |
| English Aussie Slang? | 6/16/2005 |
| Q: I have an English friend (London) and an Aussie friend, who both use the phrase "Crickey" or ... A: Carla: It's spelled so many different ways, I'm not going to attempt listing them all. The most ... | |
| damehood | 4/24/2005 |
| Q: Google has 883 instances of "damehood", but the word does not seem to be in any dictionary. Is it a ... A: Nick: "Damehood" is a "contrived word." It does not appear in dictionaries, because it is not ... | |
| Meaning of Latin Phrase | 4/13/2005 |
| Q: I'm trying to find the meaning of the phrase Filius Nobis. I have found an attribution in the ... A: Mark: Since you already know the meaning of the phrase and you have found the reference to the book ... | |
| meaning | 4/12/2005 |
| Q: Okay, I know this may seem stupid of me, but I was hoping you could give me a clear interpretation ... A: Your question is certainly not "stupid." Thank you for sending it, especially since I learned a few ... | |
| Meaning of word | 4/11/2005 |
| Q: meaning of the word 'Majani' or 'Majannie' A: The word is correctly spelled "majani." It is a Swahili word meaning "green," particularly the ... | |
| Where does the expression... | 3/2/2005 |
| Q: Where does the expression "having a chip on his shoulder" come from? A: George: Placing a chip on one's shoulder is a "dare" -- if you're man enough to knock it off! Look ... | |
| Meaning of saying 'RABBIT' | 2/28/2005 |
| Q: Why do people in England say the word 'RABBIT' first thing when they wake up on the first day of ... A: Lynn: This is not a question of etymology -- the study of word origins. But it is an interesting ... | |
| servatis a periculum servatis a maleficum | 2/20/2005 |
| Q: This chorus line from Evanescence´s Whisper, sounded familiar, is there a chance that this was also ... A: Neil: I have received many questions about these phrases, which could very well appear in any ... | |
| What does Phi Beta Lambda... | 1/29/2005 |
| Q: What does Phi Beta Lambda mean? A: In the Greek alphabet, Phi is the 21st letter, Beta is the 2nd, and Lambda is the 11th. It is the ... | |
| Translation | 1/20/2005 |
| Q: can you tell me the correct latin word for "destiny" many thanks steve A: I tried to add a footnote to my previous message, but I couldn't get it posted into the answer box. ... | |
| etymology of etymology | 1/9/2005 |
| Q: My question for you, as I am writing a paper for school, is what exactly is the etymology of ... A: Brad: Fifth and last attempt tonight -- If you are going to be studying etymology, you'd better ... | |
| Latin words website | 1/5/2005 |
| Q: My biology teacher gives a lot of latin suffixes and prefixes. Do you know of a web site that I can ... A: I'm going to give you the very best site -- but, unfortunately, it is not that good for Latin. The ... | |
| Tradition | 12/28/2004 |
| Q: What is the history of the word "tradition"? A: The English word "tradition" is originally from the Latin word "traditio," which means the ... | |
| Etymology | 12/20/2004 |
| Q: I have searched in vain for the origin of the word: JIST As in: "Do you get the jist of what I'm ... A: Your problem is with the spelling of the word. It is "Gist." It is from the Latin word "jacere," ... | |
| Origin of the word heroic | 12/11/2004 |
| Q: In today's Houston Chronicle crossword puzzle, the clue was "symphony nickname". The answer was ... A: "Eroica" is the French word for "heroic." [It's interesting that it has a "feminine" connotation -- ... | |
| looking for a word | 12/6/2004 |
| Q: There is three words in the english language that end in 'gry' one is angry the other is hungry what ... A: Marlene: Here is the comprehensive web site that gives the complete history of the "-gry" puzzle! ... | |
| etymology of the word no one | 11/24/2004 |
| Q: I am absolutely positive that in the 1950's and 60's we were taught to spell the words "no one" and ... A: Linda: My answer is going to disappoint you, but you want the truth, right? I think the reason you ... | |
| etymology | 11/17/2004 |
| Q: I've been told that there's a word for when you can't remember a word - but then he said he couldn't ... A: I recently had this question. Here's the answer, in some detail: You are talking about a condition ... | |
| Latin Languag | 11/15/2004 |
| Q: What is the meaning of the latin word "aurigae"? A: "Auriga" is the Latin word for "charioteer." Its plural form is "aurigae." "Auriga" is the ... | |
| Meaning of a word | 10/17/2004 |
| Q: I have come across an archaic English word 'wrostling'. Do you have any idea of it's meaning? A: Please send me the context in which you found the word. If you came across it online, please send ... | |
| Literature | 9/29/2004 |
| Q: I need examples of how to identify voice in literature. A: Adan: I'm not sure what you mean, but I have the feeling that the "accepted" literary term you are ... | |
| word origin | 9/26/2004 |
| Q: Maybe you can help me. I am trying to find out the history of the word FOMITE. I know what it ... A: Paul: "The Oxford English Dictionary" [the "bible" of etymology] and "Stedman's Medical Dictionary" ... | |
| Agape | 9/16/2004 |
| Q: I know agape means love. I want to know from what language the word was derived. Thank you Sabra ... A: AGAPE is from the Greek language. The Greeks had three different words for love, depending on the ... | |
| Definitions | 9/9/2004 |
| Q: I have not found a dictionary which gives me the definition for "simple majority" as may apply to a ... A: Don: To the best of my knowledge, "simple majority" is just another way of saying "majority." ... | |
| English to latin translation | 9/8/2004 |
| Q: if you don't mind, i really need a english to latin translation for an upcoming tattoo: "family ... A: Garrett: I am averaging one of these questions per week! What's with the Latin tattoos? Etymology ... | |
| Meaning/Origin | 9/7/2004 |
| Q: I'm a bit confused. AllExperts provides a link to you stating you'll answer questions regarding the ... A: Barbara: I have taken a leave of absence from Allexperts, for two reasons: (1) the rudeness of ... | |
| Etymology of certain Idiom | 8/27/2004 |
| Q: What is the etymology of the phrase "put your money where yout mouth is" ? I know what it means, but ... A: Janet: The simplest explanation is that its origin is uncertain. The phrase appears in a few ... | |
| excessive tea drinker | 8/23/2004 |
| Q: I think you're the only person who can answer this question so I really hope you'll consider ... A: Jill: It is a beautiful day here, finally, so I had a pleasant drive through the countryside. I ... | |
| Pear Shaped | 8/11/2004 |
| Q: Would you be able to explain the origins of using the phrase 'pear-shaped' to mean things going ... A: The expression -- according to The Oxford English Dictionary -- began as slang in England, shortly ... | |
| meaning of I N R I found on crosses with jesus | 7/16/2004 |
| Q: what does I N R I stand for A: "INRI" is the abbreviation for "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." The words were "Iesvs ... | |
| english to latin phrase | 6/23/2004 |
| Q: I am looking for the translation to "struggle and emerge". Can you help me? Thanks for your time!! A: Joel: I see from your ratings that I wasn't completely clear. Is there some question you still ... | |
| Origin of a word | 6/23/2004 |
| Q: I have been trying to find where the word "chardonnay" originates from for quite some time, but have ... A: "Chardonnay" is the name of a small town/village near the city of Macon, France. It is in the heart ... | |
| Background & introduction of the word humility into the English language | 6/3/2004 |
| Q: Hopefully you will still read this, but I am intersted in the background and introduction of the ... A: The entry from "The Oxford English Dictionary" [OED] proposes the date of circa 1375 for the word's ... | |
| yea, or yeah | 5/13/2004 |
| Q: Ted, most of my life I've heard of people measuring something with their hands and using the term ... A: Gary: FOLLOW-UP Gary, you must have been born post-1955! Wentworth and Flexner further describes ... | |
| Eustis | 5/12/2004 |
| Q: I would like to know the meaning/origin of the word 'Eustis'. It is the name of my hometown, which ... A: I hesitate even trying to answer your question, because surnames are so difficult to interpret. I ... | |
| meaning of words | 2/5/2004 |
| Q: please could you tell me what veritas aequitas and spirito de sante mean if you could that would be ... A: Allexperts is not forwarding my questions to me, and I just "accidentally" discovered your question. ... | |
| Affix "-ize" (different question) | 1/26/2004 |
| Q: =) I sincerely really appreciate it... I was wondering.. for a word like "galvanize," I can't find ... A: Diana: You MUST be a teacher! I have encountered very few questioners at Allexperts who are as ... | |
| Affixes | 1/26/2004 |
| Q: I was wondering if you knew what the difference between affixes "-er" and "-ian" is? I've spent so ... A: Diana: Once again, Allexperts is not forwarding my questions to me. I just found your question as ... | |
| Affix "-ize" | 1/24/2004 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could help me with the affix "-ize". This means "to cause to be X" ... A: Although I am no longer taking questions in the etymological area of Allexperts, I am making an ... | |
| Please Ted, would you traslate... | 1/17/2004 |
| Q: Please Ted, would you traslate this for me? Sanabilibus aegrotamus malis; ipsaque nos in rectum ... A: The statement is from the Roman orator, Lucius Annaeus Seneca, in his work "De Ira." [A discourse ... | |
| eleemosnary | 1/17/2004 |
| Q: Dictionaries I have looked at simply say the above word relates to charties.I was under the ... A: Don: The word "eleemosynary" comes from the Latin word "elemosyna," which originally meant "alms," ... | |
| afghan | 1/13/2004 |
| Q: Why is a knitted or crocheted coverlet called an "afghan"? A: Laurie: The system at Allexperts has not been working, so I have no idea when you sent your ... | |
| gyst vs jist | 1/5/2004 |
| Q: Mr Nesbitt, Thank you so much for your exellent response about pirates yesterday. I have another one ... A: Jon: First, thank you for the kind words in your evaluation of me. I enjoyed exploring the "pirate ... | |
| shiver me timbers | 1/3/2004 |
| Q: I was wondering why pirates say "Shiver me timbers" all the time. Thanks. A: Jon: I think you're exaggerating when you say that pirates say the phrase "all the time." Robert ... | |
| Proverb | 12/31/2003 |
| Q: I would like to know the origin of the phrase or proverb, "opposites attract". And I don't know if ... A: Brian: What a way to end the year! First, your question is not one of etymology, which is the ... | |
| LATIN PHRASE | 12/29/2003 |
| Q: Could you tell me the three word (2,4 and 5 letters) Latin phrase that is used to name something ... A: Barry: The phrase is "ne plus ultra," which means the highest or that there is nothing better = ... | |
| butterfly | 12/27/2003 |
| Q: Why is it that in most Romance languages there seems to be a different word for "butterfly" ? One ... A: Ben: First, Allexperts is not forwarding my questions to me. I just "discovered" your pending ... | |
| original meaning and etymology of "Nothing to sneeze at." | 12/10/2003 |
| Q: Original meaning and etymology of "Nothing to sneeze at." A: Keith: Once again, Allexperts is having a problem. They are not sending the questions to the ... | |
| English word usage | 11/29/2003 |
| Q: The use of the terms "bring" and "take" have deteriorated in what I have always felt is their proper ... A: Eric: Several years ago, Allexperts used to have a message board. Questioners could pose questions ... | |
| words ending in 'gry' | 11/25/2003 |
| Q: Please help me! I recently attended a job interview where I was asked if I could think of three ... A: Sarah: Your question is NOT silly. I would advise you, however, NOT to accept the job, if it is ... | |
| Serendipity | 11/12/2003 |
| Q: Where does this word come from? It's sounds unlike vertually any other word I know and noone seems ... A: Dan: I'm still "retired." In another area for which I volunteer, a lady asked a question last ... | |
| Watches | 11/7/2003 |
| Q: My 5-year old son wondered why we call a watch a watch. I don't know (and there are no other ... A: Linda: The original word, introduced into the English language in 1896, was "wristwatch." The ... | |
| (sic) | 11/6/2003 |
| Q: While reading a number of books I have come upon this (sic) after a word or phrase. Would like to ... A: Donna: "Sic" is the Latin word meaning "thus." We use it to mean "intentionally so written --used ... | |
| nostrums? | 10/29/2003 |
| Q: (Does this mean you are "on vacation" or only limiting your questions? Everyone else seems to be ... A: Barbara: I posted the message about not taking any more questions, because of some "problem" people ... | |
| Meaning of 'nler' | 10/26/2003 |
| Q: On a recent Sunday ny times crossword puzzle this clue was given, "Red, for example". The answer is ... A: Come on Ted . . . you're letting ALL of us Teds down. Put on your baseball cap and think. I had NO ... | |
| Latin | 10/24/2003 |
| Q: Where did the latin language originate. Thank you for any help at all. Kyle A: Kyle: Although your question was sent yesterday, I just received it. Allexperts is having a server ... | |
| Etymology of "put together" | 10/23/2003 |
| Q: I'm looking for the history of the phrase "put together", meaning someone who is dressed well and ... A: Vikki: I have spent several hours trying to track down this phrase, used in the sense that you ... | |
| Derivation of phrase | 10/13/2003 |
| Q: I hope you can help me. I need to find out the derivation of the phrase, "mind your p's and q's" ... A: Ruth: I cannot give you a definitive answer, because NO ONE has been able to pinpoint the exact ... | |
| Latin word | 9/27/2003 |
| Q: what is the literal meaning of the Latin phrase "Alta Via"? A: Chasity: First, I don't understand why I JUST got your question, since it seems to have been sent ... | |
| the word WOW | 9/13/2003 |
| Q: I'm curious where the word "wow" originated and how it became an expression of surprise. A: Jeff: FOLLOW-UP -- I forgot to add the explanation of how the word became an expression of surpise. ... | |
| Bootstraps and Me | 8/28/2003 |
| Q: I work as a business analyst at an electronic payment service in San Francisco where the work is, to ... A: Robert: I'd like to ask a favor. Post your question to several other experts. When you find an ... | |
| Latin translation | 8/6/2003 |
| Q: Can you translate the following Latin phrase to English? "Aves madidae noctu nunquam volant" A: Jack: Where did you get this? I think there's something wrong. The sentence actually means "Wet ... | |
| i need a word for... | 8/2/2003 |
| Q: Is there a word for one who recognizes themself as neiether male nor female? any form or slight ... A: This is a follow up concerning your evaluation of me. (1) I posted my answer to you within 30 ... | |
| out of usage meaning | 7/23/2003 |
| Q: I read your'instructions' and hope they're out of date and you're back to helping find the meanings ... A: John -- Here is a follow up to my original answer. I have done some research in the last two days ... | |
| Portia | 7/14/2003 |
| Q: Besides being the Shakespear´s novel Merchant of Venice young lady, What is the origin & meaning of ... A: Victor: "Portia" is from the Latin word meaning "offering," or "something that is given." The ... | |
| My home town was previously... | 6/23/2003 |
| Q: My home town was previously a Roman Garrison some 2000 years ago and it was named Coccium. I was ... A: Steve: Do you live in Lancashire, England? I can find a town in England, but the derivation of its ... | |
| "heirloom" | 6/23/2003 |
| Q: What was the original meaning of the two components "heir" and "loom" ? How did they combine to ... A: Maggi: "Heirloom" is a compound word, the kind of word that is frequently "coined" in our language, ... | |
| Origin of the word Picnic. | 6/15/2003 |
| Q: I would like to know the origin of the word picnic. Thank you for your time. Greg A: Greg: The English word [first introduced in our language in 1748] is from the French "pique-nique." ... | |
| By hook or by crook | 6/11/2003 |
| Q: Where does the phrase "by hook or by crook" come from? What is its etymology? A: Tony: There are three possible origins for the phrase: the practice of peasants' collecting ... | |
| Barbarian | 5/29/2003 |
| Q: Where does the word Barbarian come from and what did it originally mean? I have two logophile ... A: Lee -- Both of your friends are correct: the Latin part of the origin is "barbarus," but it came ... | |
Etymology (Meaning of Words)
Answers by Expert:
Ted Nesbitt
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I have an interest in the meanings of words and phrases, as well as how and when they became part of the English language. I enjoy researching idioms, colloquialisms, dialects, and obscurities of all kinds. I prefer short questions on a particular subject, and I will not accept lengthy research projects or term papers. NOTE: ALLEXPERTS CLAIMS THAT I TRANSLATE FROM ENGLISH TO LATIN AND FROM LATIN TO ENGLISH. I DO NOT. ALLEXPERTS REFUSES TO DELETE THE LATIN-TO-ENGLISH SERVICE -- ONE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE. TRUST ME ON THIS: ALLEXPERTS IS WRONG. I DO NOT TRANSLATE FROM ENGLISH TO LANGUAGE. LOOK FOR A LANGUAGE EXPERT INSTEAD. ETYMOLOGY AND TRANSLATING SERVICES ARE ENTIRELY DIFFERENT. ALLEXPERTS SHOULD KNOW THAT. ALLEXPERTS DOES NOT KNOW THAT. I HAVE TRIED FOR MANY YEARS TO GET THEM TO CHANGE. THEY WILL NOT. SORRY, BUT I DO NOT TRANSLATE FROM ENGLISH TO LATIN.
Experience
I am the bibliographic instruction and reference librarian at a public
college. My master's thesis concerns William Faulkner's tragic novels. I formerly taught advanced placement English at two schools in the Philadelphia area.
I have been a member of the grammar and writing section of Allexperts
for more than a year.
Education/Credentials
Masters degrees in English, philosophy, and library science.
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