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Etymology (Meaning of Words)/Questions Answered by Expert Carol Pozefsky
| Subject | Date Asked |
| lexicology and etymology | 11/28/2011 |
| Q: how do i go about a term paper on origins of words in english gotten from french,greek,latin and ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. Any good dictionary (Webster's New Collegiate for example) ... | |
| lexicology and etymology | 11/28/2011 |
| Q: i would love you to assist me in finding words english vocabulary that are originally french,greek ... A: Practically every popular dictionary provides the language of origin at the beginning of each word's ... | |
| chinese saying | 11/28/2011 |
| Q: Please let me know what is the meaning of this Chinese proverb:"When drinking water, think of its ... A: The expression 'When drinking water, think of its source" reminds us that no matter what our ... | |
| Name Meaning | 10/20/2011 |
| Q: I am 37 years old and i am a great believer in the meaning of a name...having said that, I have ... A: I hope that you've had a fine week, I too found that the name 'Dimincio' is Latin in origin ... | |
| Etymology | 10/14/2011 |
| Q: how are you!? I am in an English Language course where we have to do a multi-media assignment and ... A: Welome to the weekend, Aerosmith's Dream On seems a fine choice. Etymology is the study of ... | |
| word definition | 10/11/2011 |
| Q: What is a Mangwansi bean? Barbara Kingsolver mentions this bean in her novel Poisonwood Bible. A: I hope you're having a fine day. After an Internet and dictionary search and from the ... | |
| word meaning | 10/11/2011 |
| Q: In the Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver mentioned a type of aquatic life called the nkyende. I'd ... A: James, Well, it seems that the same answer applies to this Kingsolver invention. There are ... | |
| Word for Light in Latin? | 9/21/2011 |
| Q: Does "lux lucis" mean light in Latin? If not, what does it mean? And what is the word for light in ... A: I hope you've had a fine week, Both words (lux and lucis) have the same meaning in Latin: ... | |
| Dictionary | 9/13/2011 |
| Q: Can you recommend one, which one do you use? ANSWER: Hello, I hope you're having a fine day. ... A: again, I hope all is well with you, Webster's is a word that is in the public domain and ... | |
| Dictionary | 9/11/2011 |
| Q: Can you recommend one, which one do you use? A: I hope you're having a fine day. Since etymology is my specialty, my favorite dictionary of ... | |
| meaning of expression. | 9/5/2011 |
| Q: Someone responds,"Do you think I'm doing this for my health!" What is the meaning of this ... A: I hope you're having a good day, "Do you think I'm doing this for my health?" The question ... | |
| etymology "to die for" | 8/7/2011 |
| Q: Used figuratively (not as in "to die for your country"), about what year did this originate? Also ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. "To Die For" (as in "Oh, Cindy's got a house you could die ... | |
| butterfly | 7/25/2011 |
| Q: do you know any historical uses of this word to mean coquette? A: I think that more common than 'coquette' is the idiomatic use of the word 'butterfly' in the phrase ... | |
| hipster and hippie | 7/13/2011 |
| Q: Do hipster and hippie mean the same thing? Are the two terms even related at all? ANSWER: Hello, I ... A: again, 1. What do you mean by 'dress the same'? Same as what? ... | |
| hipster and hippie | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: Do hipster and hippie mean the same thing? Are the two terms even related at all? A: I hope that you're having a fine week, Hipster and hippie are not synonymous but they are ... | |
| etymology of eight | 7/11/2011 |
| Q: Can you tell me the etymology of eight? I can trace it back to the latin and greek octo, then im ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, For the best possible answer, I consulted Barnhart's ... | |
| jungle and rainforest | 7/9/2011 |
| Q: Can jungle also mean rainforest, besides for its usual meaning of "wild undergrowth"? (there ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, A search of reliable, conventional dictionaries turned up ... | |
| meaning of word | 6/12/2011 |
| Q: What is the actual meaning of the word "moet" A: I know of 2 answers to your question. 1. From the world of medicine: MOET is an acronym for ... | |
| meaning of a word | 6/5/2011 |
| Q: In reading Alfred North Whitehead's Universities and Their Function, I had trouble understanding The ... A: again, For some reason Allexperts has always defined etymology as 'the meaning of words and ... | |
| Origin of "Yo Dawg" | 5/30/2011 |
| Q: I want to know if "Yo Dawg" originated from an insult . Also, do you know of any ancient instances ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Yo dawg is internet jargon used to described an object placed ... | |
| Dink | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: As a boy we gave friends a dink on our bike. I can not find this slang meaning of this word in the ... A: I hope that you're having a fine day, I found these online definitions for 'dink' and you'll ... | |
| what is the basis of etymology? | 3/29/2011 |
| Q: Please let me thank you, in advance, for the great service you and all the other experts provide. ... A: again, I hope you are having a good day. Even though you wrote "I would not ask you to ... | |
| what is the basis of etymology? | 3/26/2011 |
| Q: Please let me thank you, in advance, for the great service you and all the other experts provide. ... A: I hope that you're having a fine week, How eloquently you've described the pleasure/torment of ... | |
| Legal use of the word "UNDERSTAND" | 3/18/2011 |
| Q: I came to this site when I Googles this question and saw your 2004 response to a similar question. I ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Rather than wing it, I went to Black's Law Dictionary: ... | |
| the word, "word" | 3/10/2011 |
| Q: I was wondering how the slang term and common word, "word" can into use. Thanks! A: I hope you're having a fine day, "Word' first appeared in Old English in about 725 (Beowulf) ... | |
| The word DOSE... | 2/12/2011 |
| Q: This is a crazy idea I had + I want to see if there's any validity to it... When one takes medicine ... A: Your idea is not a crazy one but the origin is as follows. The word 'dose' comes to English ... | |
| "carrot and the stick" | 2/12/2011 |
| Q: Am I correct about this? The real meaning of this phrase. Here's how I keep seeing it being used: ... A: As often happens with words and phrases, they can morph over the years. I think your 'fishing pole' ... | |
| Origin of a slang phrase | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: I've done some internet searching on this but haven't found anything. I would like to know where the ... A: I have heard and read the phrase 'the plan comes unstuck' more and more lately primarily in the ... | |
| Confusion | 2/3/2011 |
| Q: I have a friend who over the past several years has been on nd off In a relationship with somebody ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. My specialty is etymology; the origins of English words ... | |
| phrase origins | 2/1/2011 |
| Q: Where did hustle and bustle come from? A: I hope you're having a fine week, The word 'hustle' first appeared in English in 1684 borrowed ... | |
| God | 1/30/2011 |
| Q: What is the origin & etymology of the word "god?" A: The word 'God' is first seen in Old English in the year 725, a relative of the Old High German word ... | |
| greeting | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: what is the etymology of the word police A: The term 'word police' entered the language shortly after 'fashion police' became popular on ... | |
| Etymology | 12/14/2010 |
| Q: What is the etymology of the English word 'teacher'? Did it ever mean poor? A: I hope that you are having a fine week, Etymology of 'teacher' The word 'teacher' ... | |
| Arabic | 12/9/2010 |
| Q: Could you tell me what are the most common words we use in English that have been derived from ... A: I hope you are having a fine week, Here is a list of common English words derived from the ... | |
| word origin | 11/29/2010 |
| Q: Where did the word CORNOBBLE originate from? What time period? Who used it? etc... A: I hope you're having a good week, All references to the etymology of Cornobble agree that it is ... | |
| Meaning of AWRY | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: How did the term "awry" originate - what/where was it's original usage? A: I hope you're having a fine week, Here is the etymology of 'awry' meaning askew, twisted to one ... | |
| historical context of the word 'hunger' | 10/15/2010 |
| Q: I have got an interest in etymology and was wondering if you could give me some information on the ... A: welcome to the weekend, Hunger: Hunger stems from the Old English word 'hungor' ... | |
| question | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: what is the etymology for career? A: I hope you've had a fine day, Career: The sense of occupation or profession first appeared in ... | |
| "you know" expression | 10/9/2010 |
| Q: Orgin, meaning and use of "you know" expression. Also, is the expression become more frequently ... A: 'You know' gained popularity as an interjection during the early 1960's, as television began to take ... | |
| teaching | 9/30/2010 |
| Q: i want to know the etymology meaning of the word teaching A: I hope you are having a fine week, Here is what we find to be the origin of 'learn, learning, ... | |
| Origin of words | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: How did the word "yellow" become associated with being a coward? A: I hope you're having a fine Sunday, Of the sources I consulted, the following seemed the ... | |
| Metropolitan | 9/11/2010 |
| Q: What is the derivation of the word "metropolitan"? I've heard or read that word in relation to the ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, An etymology dictionary provided the following substanitive ... | |
| phrase derivation | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: what is the derivation of "flogged like a rented mule"? And "tied to the whipping post"? A: I hope you're having a fine week and are not in the storm's path, You asked for the derivation ... | |
| spelling and origin of word Nonny my father uses | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: My father is from Alabama and all my life has used the word "nonny" as a substitute for the word ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Well, it took some searching but finally this surfaced: ... | |
| The word: Logo | 8/15/2010 |
| Q: Please could you explain the origin of the word logo? As in corporate branding. A: Welcome to a new week, The word logo first appeared in 1937 believed to be a shortened ... | |
| which is correct? or has a deeper history? | 8/5/2010 |
| Q: is the phrase "furrowed brow," or "furled brow?" and which phrase may've been around longer? A: I hope you're having a fine week, The correct phrase is 'furrowed brow'. A furrowed brow is a ... | |
| universe vs university | 7/31/2010 |
| Q: I am trying to work out the true meaning of the word 'university'. I found your site and read an ... A: I hope you're having a good weekend, The guru of etymology , Robert Barnhart writes: ... | |
| arabic letters? | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: Can you unconfuse me about the following? I seem to have learned in school that there is such a ... A: I hope you are having a fine week, Since my specialty is etymology, the origin of English ... | |
| origin of a word | 7/16/2010 |
| Q: We all know the meaning of 'thanksgiving'. Can you tell me when the first time it appears? Does it ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, The word 'thanksgiving', the noun meaning giving of ... | |
| History/orig author "your rights end..." | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: Who was the original author of the saying 'Your rights end where my nose begins"? I know I have ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, The phrase has been said in a variety of ways but research ... | |
| meaning of meat or meats | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: We are a meat processor and have been told that the word meat and/or meats translates to dead ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, Acording to The Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology, the ... | |
| word | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: Etymology of the word "god"? what does it really mean and what languges did it came from? A: I hope you're having a good week, (a cool one if you're in the east) I wanted to give you the best ... | |
| meaning of pear | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: ....began his campaign of ridicule against Louis Phillipe as the "pear". What does "pear" mean in ... A: In a short biography of 'King Louis Phillipe', I found the following which seems to answer your ... | |
| religion; the WORD | 6/20/2010 |
| Q: When did the word "religion" acquire an almost exclusievly divine meaning? Considering the ... A: Here is the etymology of 'religion' from the Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology considered the best ... | |
| etymology | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: i would like to know the meaning of the word "sick" that teenagers use meaning something is good? i ... A: The practice of using antonyms (opposites) in teenage slang can be traced back to the 1920's or even ... | |
| plagiarism | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: How far back can we trace the origin of the word "plagiarism"? A: I hope all is well in your world, Here is the etymological story of 'plagiarism' from The ... | |
| Etymology of a phrase | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: Pozefsky, I am curious as to when the phrase 'heart of hearts' came into usage. Specifically, would ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Yes, I believe 'heart of hearts' became popular at about that ... | |
| meaning?!? | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: What is the difference between: ART LOVER and LOVER OF ART Yours Jaro A: I hope you're having a fine week, There is no difference in meaning; only a difference in ... | |
| Derivation of FROG | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: I am interested in knowing how the word FROG evolved - but not the amphibian. It also means a type ... A: Barnhart's Dictionary of Etymology has this entry about 'frog': "Fastening for clothing. 1719 ... | |
| I will charge you not vs I will not charge you | 5/19/2010 |
| Q: I am pondering if there is any difference in meaning and usage for the following phrases: "I will ... A: I hope you are having a fine week, "I will not charge you" is a very common English phrase ... | |
| word meanings. | 5/18/2010 |
| Q: I have two enquiries i would love to be answered. 1) is it true that the "original" meaning of the ... A: I hope you are having a fine week. None of the sources I checked knew of any such official ... | |
| Sicker than a dog/Sick as a dog | 5/16/2010 |
| Q: Can you find where this came from? Most dogs I know are never as sick as people! Weird expression. I ... A: I hope you've had a fine weekend, Of the many etymologies we came across, the following from ... | |
| The origin of the phrase "Follow Up" | 5/15/2010 |
| Q: we were having a debate on word origins and phrase origins and could not figure out where the term ... A: I hope you've had a fine weekend, 'Follow up', meaning to pursue steadily or closely; make ... | |
| when to use 'quiet' vs 'silence' | 5/6/2010 |
| Q: Both words seem to be similar in meanings but I was told otherwise. Could you please explain the ... A: again, Thank you for your kind words and I'd be happy to share. When one is very interested ... | |
| meaning of old English term | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: Do you know the meaning of the term "good wife" as used in England about the 1720's. I have been ... A: I hope you've had a fine week, Yes, it is correct. I surmised that it was but, just to be ... | |
| Spelling | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: Prosthelytize or Proselytize I've seen it spelled both ways and have heard it pronounced both ways. ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, The correct spelling in American English is 'proselytize' ... | |
| chicago meaning | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: If you could assist me it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! A: The etymology of the place name 'Chicago': Chicago, founded in 1833. Its name came from ... | |
| Meaning of Course | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: I have a project for speech class and I need to find out different meanings for a specific word. I ... A: I hope you are having a fine day, 'Course' stems from the Latin word 'cursus' which meant a ... | |
| Origin or first use of phrase | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: Carol, Can you please tell me the origin of the phrase "entitlement programs?" If possible, I'd love ... A: The Barnhart Concise Dictionary of Etymology is considered the Bible on English word origins. ... | |
| jigger | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: What's the derivation of work "jigger". as it relates to a kind of measuring glass used in ... A: I hope you've had a fine weekend, Research indicates that the word 'jigger' is a variant of ... | |
| derivation of name | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: What is the derivation of the name....Kennitah ? A: I hope you are having a fine week. There seems to be no historical precedent for the name ... | |
| derivatives | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: Derivatives for banal, austere, innate, venerate, dawdle, exacerbate, fastidious A: I hope you are having a fine week. Time constraints prevent etymologies for that many words but ... | |
| The Word Bearings | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: Currently, our Communication Arts department is at odds over a benchmark assessment question. I ... A: I hope you are having a fine week, The answer is D location. Bearing is a determination ... | |
| etymology | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: What is the origin of the word "spirituality" when did it come into use?what is its current accepted ... A: I hope you're having a fine day The Latin word 'spiritus' is the source of our English word ... | |
| word origin | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: What is the origin of the word GOOD? A: I hope you are enjoying your weekend, The word good descends from several ancestors; from the ... | |
| derivation | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: what is the derivation of the phrase "so-so" A: I hope you're having a fine day, Before we get to the derivstion of 'so so', I thought you ... | |
| just deserts | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: I am curious as to the etymology of the phrase,"getting his just deserts". The way I understand it ... A: I hope you've had a fine week. I wasn't certain how long the expression 'getting one's just ... | |
| The differnce between conciet and arrogance | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could tell me the difference between the words conceit and arrogance. Thanks ... A: I hope you are having a fine weekemd. Conceit has come to mean an overestimation of oneself or ... | |
| the evolution of the word wild | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: how has the definition of wild changed over time? A: I hope you're having a fine week, The Dictionary of Etymology has quite a long entry on the ... | |
| Etymology | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: I'd like to know what the phrase 'hit the floor' means? I think it has something to do with ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, When movies are recorded on film there's a room where the ... | |
| Samuel Beckett Quote | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: I recently read a quote by Samuel Beckett that reads: Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. ... A: What that quote means to me is that we grow in achievement and wisdom by taking a chance and not ... | |
| etymology of words listen and see | 2/2/2010 |
| Q: I am writing articles on the seeing and listening and was wondering the etymology of to see and to ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, The on-line etymological dictionary has this entry for the ... | |
| Love | 12/19/2009 |
| Q: Is it true that that friendship or friend came before love? What is the progression of phrases ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend. Time allows me to answer one of your questions so, of ... | |
| PLETHORA | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: I am in a high school Etymology class, and I have a project due NOVEMBER 23RD on the origin, ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, The original biological, medical meaning of 'plethora': a ... | |
| the historical use of the word 'euphemism' | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know whether the word 'euphemism' was already used in its contemporary meaning at ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, 'Euphemism' , the use of an indirect expression instead of ... | |
| meaning of the word center | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: i was wondering where the word center came from. i know that cent comes from centum meaning 100 but ... A: Here is the origin of the word 'center' from the Dictionary of Etymology: late 14c., from O.Fr. ... | |
| etymology of | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: I am analyzing a newspaper article that compares hedge fund mismanagement to the behavior of "second ... A: The term 'sugar daddy' is used to depict the salacious older man who spends large amounts of money ... | |
| etymology of "second wives" | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: I am analyzing a newspaper article that compares hedge fund mismanagement to the behavior of "second ... A: The expession 'second wives at a Jimmy Choo sale' means individuals who are spending money freely ... | |
| Letter etymology | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: Just a quick enquiry as to the origin of the word "letter", in relation to the form of message. Does ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, The word 'lettre' meaning knowledge of reading and ... | |
| Etymology of a phrase | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: Despite much searching I cannot find any explanation for the phrase "tip-top", as in tip-top ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, 'Tip-top' is beieved to be military slang which worked its ... | |
| mean of | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: i have just read a few of your replies to various question, and found them very interesting could ... A: I hope that you are having a fine week, There seems to be consensus that the term "Chinese ... | |
| Origin of the phrase "Ol' buddy, ol' pal, ol' friend of mine" | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: I am wondering about the origins of this common phrase "Ol buddy, ol' pal, ol' friend of mine" - I ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. You probably are not finding 'Ol buddy, ol' pal, ol' friend ... | |
| Question about etymology | 10/11/2009 |
| Q: I am looking for a etymology of word hope. I need some really good information. Thank you! A: Please forgive the delay. I didn't notice this question until just now. (10/12) Ernest ... | |
| Mealagh | 9/19/2009 |
| Q: I live in the Mealagh Valley near Bantry West Cork Ireland, and have been told the word mealagh ... A: I hope you've had a fine weekend, My etymological sources did not find a connection between ... | |
| pirate phrases | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: What is the etymology of "All hands ahoy!" A: I hope you're having a fine week, First, let's address the word 'ahoy'. A well documented ... | |
| origin of phrase | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: What is the origin of the phrase 'pear-shaped'? Thank you. A: "It went pear-shaped" is used, in common English jargon, to refer to a project that resulted in ... | |
| Phrase etymology | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: What is the origin of "funny bone" ? Regards Charley A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, Just to make certain that my notion was correct, I checked ... | |
| Etymology | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: Please which one of these two sentences is correct: If you are lead to bless me. If you are led to ... A: I hope you are having a fine weekend, My specialty is etymology; the origins of English words ... | |
| origin of phrase | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: What's the origin of "out the ying yang"? I assume it's a reference to the asian symbol yin yang ... A: I hope you are having a fine week, We find the following information on 'out the ying yang' on ... | |
| latin or greek word which means thanks or giving thanks | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: can u please refer some words from Greek or Latin orgin which means "THANKS" Or "GIVING THANKS" A: My specialty is etymology; the origins of English words and phrases. But I'll take a stab at this ... | |
| HOUSE NAMES | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: My mother's house in Broadstairs in Kent is called 'MARSHAM'. We woul love to know the derivation ... A: I hope you are having a fine week, I wish there were more our research could find about the ... | |
| origin of a phrase | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: What is the origin of the phrase " death before dishonor " ? A: I hope you are having a fine week, My research shows that the phrase was an ancient cry used by ... | |
| wine | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: What is meaning + origin What is meaning +orign of wine oorigin of the word"wine" A: I hope you are having a fine week, According to Barhart's Dictionary of Etymology, the word ... | |
| why | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: Why are the forms of the verb "read" pronounced in different ways? The answers like "due to the ... A: I hope you're having a fine day, The forms of the verb read are pronounced differently to ... | |
| low and below | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to find out the origin of the expression "low and below" or "lo and below" and the real ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Could it be that the expression you're interested in is "lo ... | |
| Origin of "partner" | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: I understand the basic meaning/roots of the word, but I am curious as to when/how it was adopted by ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. The word partner has a venerable history descending from the ... | |
| Curious phrase | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: Where did the phrase "looking to" come from? I think it is funny for people to say, "I'm looking to ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, Using the word 'looking' in the way you specify is a ... | |
| meaning of the word "follow" | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I heard recently that the original meaning of the word "follow" means "back". I would like to know ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Barnhart's Dictionary of Etymology is considered the bible of ... | |
| "you can do this" | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: I don't know if I'm the only one who has noticed this and not sure when it started, but the ... A: Your question is "Since they (the expressions) both mean the same thing, why has one replaced the ... | |
| kognoscere | 7/5/2009 |
| Q: I am interested in etymology of the word "cognition" Etymological dictionary speaks of the Latin ... A: I hope you are having a fine weekend, For the first time in approximately 25 years, I will have to ... | |
| Kick the bucket | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: What is the origin of the phrase "kick the bucket" A: I hope you're having a fine week, There are numerous theories as to the origin of the phrase ... | |
| Origin of phrase | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: Can You tell me anything about the origin of the phrase Ask a Marine?" I have come across it in ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. If my sources are correct, "Ask a Marine" was part of a ... | |
| Origin / author of a motto | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: Could you please identify the origin or author of our class motto "Before Us Lies The Timber; Let Us ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, I found the following information about the slogan "Before Us ... | |
| phrase meaning/origin | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: Please describe the origin of the phrase " you're in safe hands" and elaborate on the meaning. Thank ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, The expression "You're in Safe Hands" is the enduring slogan ... | |
| derivation of the name Winifred | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: Where did this name originate and what is it's meaning? A: I hope you're having a fine week, The girl's name Winifred \wi-nif-red, win(i)-fred\ is ... | |
| origin of where i live | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: i live on lower howsell road, in malvern there is upper hosell road and howsell road. Where does ... A: Research indicates that Howsell was a relatively common surname in England and Wales at around the ... | |
| Anglo-Saxon word | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: What common food takes its name from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "MOULDY". Any help would be ... A: Mouldy itself is a natural substance in the form of a wooly or furry growth of tiny fungi that ... | |
| 1859 Websters Dictionary | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: I have inherited an 1859 websters dictionary Pictorial Edition. I am having trouble finding in ... A: and welcome to a new week, I have several suggestions: 1. Call the Strand Book ... | |
| translating Ovid | 3/7/2009 |
| Q: I am at line 145 of Ars Amatoria Book I What does facito mean? Is it part of facio? A: Latin is not my specialty but I'll give it a try . I believe that facito means: I make or I do but ... | |
| Word origin | 2/28/2009 |
| Q: I've heard the word "Berk" used towards people in a perjorative fashion, I've been told it's an ... A: Yes, Berk is from English slang and is an extremely vulgar term. From a dictionary on Cockney ... | |
| meaning | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: meaning for the name 'judith' A: I hope that you're having a fine week, The name 'Judith' is a Biblical name meaning 'Jewess' or ... | |
| origin of "Caribbean" | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: Why is it "Caribbean" rather than "Caribean"...why the 2 "b"s? A: I hope you're having a fine day. Etymology of Caribbean: From Carib or Caribe, a tribe ... | |
| ideology | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: can you explain this one for me, then? thank you.. I just need to have a better understanding so to ... A: I hope all is well with you and that you're having a fine week, Ideology is the branch of ... | |
| cabinetry/construction term | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: What is the origination of the term "fur (or furr?) out" as in to fur out a wall or mount cabinets ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, I found the following description of 'mounting on furring ... | |
| Please Interpret | 2/1/2009 |
| Q: What does the term 'thank you' mean? Where was it originated? How is it best described? Thank you! A: I hope you're having a fine day, Thank (stemming from the Old English 'thancian) appears in the ... | |
| Origin of phrase | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: What is the origin and etymology of "Good Morning"? A: Good Morning to you ! There is agreement among etymologists that Goodbye, Good morning, Good ... | |
| meanining of an expression | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: What does "begging the question" mean A: Happy New Year! I hope you're having a fine week, The phrase 'begging the question' can be ... | |
| Mifflin | 1/1/2009 |
| Q: I have just watched a film about the American Civil War,in the credits there were a number of ... A: Mifflin is simply a place name and, Civil War sources believe that the original Mifflin Guard was ... | |
| root and meaning of "navidad" | 12/24/2008 |
| Q: I know that "feliz navidad" means "Merry Christmas" in Spanish, but I have one of these crazy purist ... A: Greetings and best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Joyous and healthy New Year, [The Spanish ... | |
| etymology of the word "belief" | 12/16/2008 |
| Q: I am curious to learn the etymology of the word "belief." A: I hope you're having a fine week, The word 'belief' stems from the Middle English word 'beleven' ... | |
| origin of phrase | 12/13/2008 |
| Q: When and how did "works for me" originate? A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, We are still in the dawn of the computer age and a great ... | |
| etymology>knock it off | 11/7/2008 |
| Q: i've found 'knock' and tens of variations, but i cannot find this one: knock it off, as the ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. There are two popular etymologies for "knock it off: One ... | |
| idiom | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: What is the origin and the first attestation of the idiom 'pedal to the metal'? A: I hope you're having a fine week, The expression 'pedal to the metal' surfaced about 25-30 years ... | |
| Etymology | 11/4/2008 |
| Q: There are some birds called dowitchers asnd my dictionary (Chambers) says that it is derived from an ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Yes, 'dowitcher' is from the Iroquoian word 'tawistawis' ... | |
| "Performance" and "Person" | 9/16/2008 |
| Q: I'm wondering if the word Performance and Person have anything to do with each other. I see in ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, The word 'persone' surfaced in English in about 1200 and was ... | |
| old bean | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: what does it mean to call someone "old bean"? A: I hope you've had a fine week, Calling someone an 'old bean' is an affectionate term usually ... | |
| Etymology Reference Guide | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: Can you recommend a reference guide or dictionary that specializes in the etymology of phrases? ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, There are many such books on phrase origins. Morris' ... | |
| phrase question | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: Where did the phrase "connect the dots" originate? A: I hope you're having a fine week, 'Connecting the dots' derives from a children's activity game. ... | |
| define: problematic | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: My professor tells us that the meaningn of 'problematic' is 'it may or may not exist.' Online OED ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, I've always found Webster's New International Dictionary (2nd ... | |
| source quote "seventh heaven" origin | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: I loved your etymology re: origin of phrase, "seventh heaven". You ascribed it of mainly Islamic ... A: I hope you've had a fine weekemd. I do remember the 'Seventh Heaven' question but I'm, ... | |
| tennis term origin | 8/18/2008 |
| Q: I would like to know the origin of the term "let". Thank you A: The tennis expression 'let' , the sense of interference with the ball in tennis and similar games is ... | |
| Meaning of a Greek name | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could enlighten me on a question about the name Cronus. I've done a bit of ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. A customarily reliable website provided the following: ... | |
| I plum forgot... | 7/29/2008 |
| Q: Do you know of any bkgd on this idiom? I would love to know, thanks! A: Good Wednesday morning, I hope you're having a fine week. The word 'plumb' (pronounced ... | |
| Meaning of Indian word | 7/22/2008 |
| Q: While traveling in northern Minnesota, I saw the Kawishiwi River and Kawishiwi Lake. I wonder what ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Experts agree on one thing when it comes to the meanings of ... | |
| thank you | 7/14/2008 |
| Q: derivation of this expression A: I was prepared to answer quite simply that 'thank you' descends from Old English and originally ... | |
| Etymology of Phrases | 7/14/2008 |
| Q: I am curious about the derivation of the phrase, "ear-piercing sound". Does this actualy mean a ... A: 'Ear-piercing' (also, 'ear-splitting) is a good example of hyperbole, making a point (no pun ... | |
| phrase etymology | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: Do you know where the phrase "drop dead deadline" came from? A: I hope you're having a fine week, The etymology sources I've checked all seem to agree that ... | |
| honky dory | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: where did this originate? A: I hope you're having a fine week, I had a few theories about the origin of 'honky dory' but ... | |
| Sporting events | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: If in Germany one would say "Public Viewing" to refer to many people watching a sporting event on a ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, You're right! In the United states the term 'Public Viewing' ... | |
| the word fail | 6/16/2008 |
| Q: did the word (fail) ever mean to lie? A: According to Barnhart's Dictionary of Etmology the word 'fail' has never meant to lie;. Fail: ... | |
| help! | 6/11/2008 |
| Q: Pozefsky, I needed to know the etymology and history of the word dedication please. THANK YOU SO ... A: Greetings! I hope you're having a fine week, First, the definition: Dedication: ... | |
| origin of a phrase | 6/9/2008 |
| Q: would you be interested in helping me with the origin (time and place) of the phrase " Boy O Boy " ... A: I'd be hesitant to put an exact cutoff date on the phrase, Nigel. It's always possible that someone ... | |
| FAIL | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: I know that the word fail originates to word 'fallere'. Could you please help me, I would like to ... A: I hope you've had a fine weekend, The verb 'fail' means not to succeed. Here is a sample ... | |
| 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: and welcome to the weekend, The creed "Death Before Dishonor" is (sadly) a time-honored ... | |
| 8th grade history project | 5/31/2008 |
| Q: I am doing a project about the 1940's. For this project, we need to do a 30 minute skit on the ... A: Good Monday morning to you, My specialty is etymology, the origin of Engish words and phrases. ... | |
| pinot | 5/13/2008 |
| Q: would you be able to give me the meaning of the word "pinot" as in "pinot noir". i know the "noir" ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. Pinot (a variety of the French word Pineau) refers to a vine ... | |
| haematology | 5/8/2008 |
| Q: what do you mean by whole blood sample A: I hope you're having a fine week. My medical contacts tell me that 'whole blood sample' is no ... | |
| mythical word definition | 5/5/2008 |
| Q: I need to know the mythical word and relationship to the following words. panic, jovial, saturnine. ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Panic: an excessive feeling of alarm of fear leading to ... | |
| so long | 4/24/2008 |
| Q: Please tell me the derivation of the phrase "so long" A: I hope you're having a fine week. Morris' Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins has this about ... | |
| Pipsqueak | 4/23/2008 |
| Q: A local politician in Lee County, FL, recently said a political opponent is a "pipsqueak". Though I ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, The word 'pipsqueak' which first appeared in the language in ... | |
| Meaning of the following phrases | 4/13/2008 |
| Q: 1. He is "at 6s and 7s" 2. "Dressed to the 9s" 3. Chinese fire drill A: I hope you've had a fine weekend. The expression 'to be at 6's and 7's' means in a state of ... | |
| the meaning of dispositionalism | 4/11/2008 |
| Q: could you tell me the meaning of dispositionalism? thank you for your early reply. A: In law, 'dispositionalism' (or disposition) is the act of transferring something to another's care ... | |
| Etymology (Meaning of Words) | 4/10/2008 |
| Q: My question is kind of the same as that brandon kid, but mine is the ones he said he already had, ... A: I hope you've had a fine week, Panic stems from the Greek word 'panicos' (original meaning ... | |
| wedding torch parade | 4/7/2008 |
| Q: what is the meaning of torch parade in a wedding in this modern age? A: The wedding torch parade is largely ceremonial today adding pomp and circumstance to the event.(and ... | |
| poetry question | 4/6/2008 |
| Q: I've been thinking about this one line for so long! I just can't figure it out!What does, "'Words ... A: again, Yes, I believe that's what the author means. I think 'tables of the wise....' is ... | |
| poetry question | 4/6/2008 |
| Q: I've been thinking about this one line for so long! I just can't figure it out!What does, "'Words ... A: I hope you've had a fine weekend, Commonly, the word currency is used to mean monetary ... | |
| etymology of the word | 4/1/2008 |
| Q: Is there any historical link to the word "dating" from the word "data", as in "collecting data"? ... A: and thank you for your 'thank you'! I have always loved the word 'disabuse' and this is a ... | |
| etymology of the word "dating" | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: Is there any historical link to the word "dating" from the word "data", as in "collecting data"? A: welcome to a new week, The word 'data' (plural of datum) stems from the Latin word 'dare' ... | |
| Promise | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: I would like to know the origin of the word "promise". Can you please help me? Also, if you know the ... A: The word 'promise' first appeared in Middle English in about 1400 and was spelled promys. It meant a ... | |
| word origin/meaning | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: where does the word humanity come from and what does it mean? A: The word 'humanity' has several meanings. It refers to the entire family of man, the people of the ... | |
| Cracker | 3/27/2008 |
| Q: I am aware of the negative connotation of this word when used as "he's a cracker",but am curious as ... A: I hope you've had a fine week, I've always heard 'cracker' used as a harmless nickname for a ... | |
| "yes, it's no fine" | 3/26/2008 |
| Q: When person A says "I hope you don't mind me coming late tomorrow. When person B says,"yes,it's no ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, This is a first. I think I've been with All Experts for 15 ... | |
| Universe | 3/21/2008 |
| Q: Pozefsky, Would it be a correct statement to say that the word universe means single spoken ... A: I hope you've had a fine week, The word universe, which means the cosmos, the whole world, ... | |
| feeling stupid | 3/19/2008 |
| Q: I would like to know if there is a word in our language that describes two different phrases that ... A: Good Morning, I hope you're having a fine week, Although it doesn't describe precisely the ... | |
| When did the word, 'bugger' occur? | 3/11/2008 |
| Q: And its origin and meaning. I know that it is very common in United Kingdom. Thanx A: Good Day, I hope you're having a fine week, The word bugger derives from the Old French ... | |
| house name | 3/11/2008 |
| Q: i recently came accross a house name of LEESHOLME in Yorkshire, England, and it appears to be a ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. My research and yours have produced virtually the same ... | |
| albatross | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: Why is the word "albatross" used to describe three strokes under par on a par five hole? Thank ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. Etymologists are usually asked for a word or phrase's origin ... | |
| Meaning or Root of Word | 3/4/2008 |
| Q: A word often used by my parents while I was growing up in coastal North Carolina was mommicked. I ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. 'Mommicked' is a colorful regional word whose derivation is ... | |
| Mark Capps(Mark5 from AskMe.com | 2/9/2008 |
| Q: Do you remember Mark5(Mark Capps) from AskMe.com? He gave me his email address in Austin just before ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, I'm sorry but I've never known Mark Capps. I sincerely ... | |
| Derivation of phrase | 2/8/2008 |
| Q: Where is the phrase "pull the wool over [one's] eyes" derived? I understand it's meaning. TIA! A: I hope you've had a fine week, The expression is believed to have originated in the United ... | |
| Origin of the word "dozen" | 1/10/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering where "dozen" comes from and why we like to group things in dozens. For example, ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, The word 'dozen' stems from the Old French word 'dozeine' ... | |
| Phrase Meaning | 11/18/2007 |
| Q: This phrase is used in a song chorus and I'd like to know if it has any meaning. I've had trouble ... A: Forgive the delay, I'm on vacation through December. My interpretation would be that if we ... | |
| Military phrase origin | 11/15/2007 |
| Q: When I was in the U.S. Marine Corps (1986-1991), a person (or piece of equipment)that acted too ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, You are absolutely correct. 'Slower than whale shit' is a ... | |
| help | 11/14/2007 |
| Q: i hope someone will be able to translate into latin the quote "this to shall pass" for me thank you ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. I provided that Latin translation for you a while ago but ... | |
| The origin of "Thank You" | 11/11/2007 |
| Q: I would like to know the origin of the word "thank" as in "thank you." A: I hope you're having a good week, I was prepared to answer quite simply that the noun 'thanks' ... | |
| P's and Q's | 10/30/2007 |
| Q: What is the history behind the phrase mind your P's and Q's? A: I hope you're having a fine week, There is a lot of false etymology floating about concerning ... | |
| origin police walking a "beat" | 10/29/2007 |
| Q: I've been desperately trying to find out why a police officers assigned route is called a "beat". ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, As so often happens, there are numerous explanations for the ... | |
| oldest use of a word | 10/26/2007 |
| Q: I am loking for the oldest use of the word "geek". A: I hope you've had a fine week, The word 'geek' dates back to the 19th century at which time it ... | |
| The "s" in Constitution | 10/25/2007 |
| Q: When I see old documents, especially from around the time the Constitution of the U.S. was written ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, What looks like an 'f' in the old documents, is really an ... | |
| phrases | 10/22/2007 |
| Q: meaning of: 1.changing ships on a falling tide 2.undergoing a change at sea A: "Changing ships on a falling tide" means to switch from one's original choice to a less successful ... | |
| incantation and music | 10/20/2007 |
| Q: What is the etymology of the word incantation (with emphisis on its relation to singing and music)? A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, Incantation (a set of words spoken as a magic charm or to ... | |
| The letter U and the latin 'tu' | 10/16/2007 |
| Q: Good day to you, Thankyou for taking the time to read this. I have a question about the letter U. ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Your question is fascinating and a clear indication that you ... | |
| IM expressions | 10/16/2007 |
| Q: I recently got an IM from a old friend. He sign off using xotm.. The only short text I know is LOL.. ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, xo means a kiss and a hug. Are your initials TM? Or does ... | |
| i was hoping you van do something for me | 10/14/2007 |
| Q: Can you please find me where the expression "Brown nosing" comes from. thank you A: Brown nosing is a vulgar term that emerged from American college campuses in the 1950's. To win ... | |
| I need a word for a definition. | 10/6/2007 |
| Q: My husband asked me if there is a word to define when someone uses their talent to hurt someone, ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, There is no single word I know or have researched that is ... | |
| Meaning of Root Words | 9/21/2007 |
| Q: Will you define the meaning of the root word denomination A: I hope you've had a fine week, In religion,'denomination' is a group or branch of any ... | |
| Words meaning | 9/17/2007 |
| Q: What means fixture, also gage or gauge. What is the origin of these words? Thank you A: Welcome to a new week, A fixture is anything fixed or securely fastened in position. For ... | |
| Origin of a Common Phrase | 9/5/2007 |
| Q: What is the origin of the phrase "chicken feed" as in "I am being paid chicken feed"? I know what ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, The American term 'chicken feed' meaning a paltry sum of ... | |
| word search | 9/1/2007 |
| Q: The word which describes someone who constantly employs quotations in speech or writing? A: I hope you're having a fine week, My specialty is etymology, the origins of ENglish words and ... | |
| Etymology | 9/1/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering how a words etymology is studied. Where and how can someone with no background find ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, Etymology is everywhere. If you have a good dictionary ... | |
| word orgin | 8/30/2007 |
| Q: I've just heard that the word "plagiarism" is a derivative from the Latin word "kidnap" -- is this ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. Yes the word 'plagiarism' does stem from the Latin word ... | |
| origin of term | 8/23/2007 |
| Q: is the term "kissin' cousins" a derivative of "kith and kin"? A: I hope you're having a fine week. 'Kissin' cousins' is a sourthern Americanism that predates ... | |
| word combinations | 8/2/2007 |
| Q: I came here after a google search and read that you described a 'compound word' but what do you call ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. Words that are formed in such a way (skort ...a combination ... | |
| Scottish dialectical evidences | 7/26/2007 |
| Q: My genealogical research into my father's ancestry has made me aware that some family speech ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Your question is fascinating and I wish that 'glottogony', ... | |
| Belief system | 7/10/2007 |
| Q: what is a word for belief system .For example climate change,budism,athiesm. A: I hope you're having a fine week, The word 'philosophy' would fit the bill. If you allowed for ... | |
| slang | 7/5/2007 |
| Q: What is the derivation of the American term for a w.c.,"john"? A: I hope you're having a fine week, Morris' Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins has this entry ... | |
| bow wow | 7/3/2007 |
| Q: yesterday while discussing the sounds we teach children that animals make, "bow wow" came up as not ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Yes, you're absolutely correct. Bow wow is onomatopeic and ... | |
| Origin of the word, "picnic" | 7/2/2007 |
| Q: Can you tell me the origin of the word, picnic? A: The word 'picnic' is first seen in Lord Chesterfield's Letters to his Son in 1748. At the time it ... | |
| etymology | 6/28/2007 |
| Q: Would you be able to tell me the etymology of the words 'expert' and 'snobbish'? Thank you! A: I hope you've had a fine week, The word 'expert' is found in the Wycliffe Bible in the year ... | |
| Holy Cow | 6/8/2007 |
| Q: Where does the expression, "Holy Cow!" come from? A: Holy Cow is believed to be a variant of sacred cow, a reference to the revered status of cows in ... | |
| meaning of term | 6/1/2007 |
| Q: What does "cousin once removed" mean? A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, Cousin once removed means a cousin who is removed by one ... | |
| verbal expression | 5/31/2007 |
| Q: where did the phrase "caught red handed" originate? A: (and, tomorrow, a new month) I was quite certain that I knew the correct etymology for your phrase, ... | |
| etymology | 5/30/2007 |
| Q: I know it means the fear of glass (presumably broken?) or crystals but cannot trace any reference ... A: The common name for a phobia to glass is 'hyalophobia' although 'nelophobia' is occasionally seen as ... | |
| Englisch wurd | 4/28/2007 |
| Q: If I pepper the landscape with near misses do you think you could identify for me a word I can no ... A: I hope you had a fine weekend, I'll frustrate you even more by telling you first of all that ... | |
| eighteenth-century expressions | 4/27/2007 |
| Q: I'm working on a historical novel (although I can think of dozens of reasons why I shouldn't be, I ... A: again, I remember some years ago watching a cooking show guest prepare some of the Patrick ... | |
| eighteenth-century expressions | 4/26/2007 |
| Q: I'm working on a historical novel (although I can think of dozens of reasons why I shouldn't be, I ... A: Partridge's Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English has this to say about 'blue-light' : ... | |
| Beg off | 4/24/2007 |
| Q: I am curious as to the origins of the phrase "beg off." Is it only used in American English? Did ... A: My sources tell me that beg off is, as you wisely guessed, American in origin and primarily American ... | |
| Nakhr | 4/13/2007 |
| Q: I have been trying to find the meaning of the name Nakhr or Nakhar, which is a wadi in Oman, cutting ... A: The name "Nakhar" means 'noticed', or 'noticed one'. It is an indication that the name-giver ... | |
| letter spacing | 3/30/2007 |
| Q: Was the word forget ever written as two separate words (for get)? A: According to Barnhart's Dictionary of Etymology, the word 'forget' was never two words. It stemmed ... | |
| origin | 3/30/2007 |
| Q: what is the origin of the word "contract"? Thanks. A: The verb 'contract' meaning to make an agreement occurs in English in the 14th Century (Chaucer's ... | |
| meaning of this phrase? | 3/28/2007 |
| Q: illegitimus eglasius pax carborundum (i'm not for sure if this is the correct spelling) A: I hope you're having a fine week, This phrase has been floating around for 10 years or so. ... | |
| Phrase origin | 3/17/2007 |
| Q: I am looking for the origin of the phrase "shoot first, ask questions later." Any idea? Thanks, ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, The Shoot first , Ask Questions Later motto sprang from the ... | |
| origin of phrases | 3/11/2007 |
| Q: what is the origin of "do the math" or "you do the math"? When was it first used A: I hope you're having a fine week. The phrase 'you do the math' is very new (appromimately 3-5 ... | |
| Brunette | 3/4/2007 |
| Q: Is a girl or woman with a light or lighter shade of brown hair a brunette? A: I hope you've had a fine weekend, A brunette is a woman with brown hair; not dark, not light, ... | |
| vocabulary | 3/2/2007 |
| Q: Is there such a word as this: 'eggmatic?' I read about this in a selection about reading. A: No, there is no established English word 'eggmatic'. However, there might be a coined name of that ... | |
| word | 2/19/2007 |
| Q: Could you please tell me if you know of a word that has only one meaning or definition? I'm looking ... A: I hope you've had a fine weekend. My specialty is etymology; the origins of English words and ... | |
| the common female name ending "a" | 2/10/2007 |
| Q: What is the origin of the use of the ending "a" pronounced "ah" as a common ending for female names ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, 'A' is used as a diminutive suffix usually to indicate the ... | |
| Origins of a phrase | 12/11/2006 |
| Q: I am trying to find out when and where the phrase "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts" ... A: welcome to a new week, The term "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts" originated ... | |
| Not at all | 12/5/2006 |
| Q: Carol, thanks for responding, but no, I didn't find the post about the phrase, "not at all." Please ... A: The phrase 'not at all' is akin to similar shorthand phrases such as 'don't mention it' , 'my ... | |
| Etymology of an idiom | 12/4/2006 |
| Q: I would like to know the etymology of the idiom,"a needle in a haystack." A: I hope you're having a fine week, Morris' Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins writes: ... | |
| meaning of English language phrase | 10/29/2006 |
| Q: Bring to bear 1) meaning 2) example of usage 3) THANK YOU !!! A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, First, as you requested the meaning of 'Bring to bear': ... | |
| english phrases | 10/25/2006 |
| Q: what is the meaning of the following two phrases "to pull the wool over my eyes", "to put one over ... A: I hope you are having a fine week, The idiom 'to pull the wool over one's eyes' means to ... | |
| Meaning of a word | 10/16/2006 |
| Q: I see the word Kaweah used a lot in California. Usually to designate a street name, park name etc. ... A: The place name 'Kaweah' stems from the Black Kawia Colony of Indians, a Native American nation which ... | |
| mythical origins of words | 10/15/2006 |
| Q: I have been assignement that is due tuesday, and i have worked for hours on it. What I have to do, ... A: I hope you had a fine weekend, Museum stems from the Greek word 'mouseion' which means home of ... | |
| meaning and derivation of phrase | 10/11/2006 |
| Q: What is the meaning and derivation of the phrase "one fell swoop?" A: In 'one fell swoop' means in one quick powerful motion'. For validation, I searched and found the ... | |
| Is it 'thing' or 'think' | 10/10/2006 |
| Q: What is the correct wording of the phrase, "If you think (something), then you've got another (thing ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, I have a feeling that your co-worker is older than you. The ... | |
| origin of "kick in the head" | 10/3/2006 |
| Q: Where does the phrase "kick in the head" originate? A: I hope you're having a fine week, The slang phrase 'kick in the head' meaning a big surprise, ... | |
| make your own luck? | 9/28/2006 |
| Q: I am curious as to the derivation of the phrase "you make your own luck." I think, many, many years ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, You're a good researcher! Although the expression is ... | |
| origin | 9/24/2006 |
| Q: What does the word eagle derive from? I want to get an eagle tattoo and want to make sure there are ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, I don't think you have anything to worry about.The word ... | |
| making a place for the word 'irregardless' | 8/12/2006 |
| Q: So last night I got into a barroom discussion about the word 'irregardless.' And I think a lot of ... A: I hope you've had a fine weekend, I think you've put forth a superb argument in support of the ... | |
| family motto | 8/12/2006 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could translate the Neel motto, "nomen extendere factis." I just married into ... A: I hope you've had a fine weekend, My specialty is etymology; the origins of English words and ... | |
| English words | 8/11/2006 |
| Q: Can I know the meanings of these three words? Twerp maunder contumacious Thank you A: I hope you've had a fine weekend, A 'twerp' is slang noun meaning an insignificant, petty ... | |
| Slang Derivation | 7/30/2006 |
| Q: How and when did women's breasts came to be referred to as a rack? A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, The slang term 'rack' for women's breasts, particularly ... | |
| Leadership course ? | 7/28/2006 |
| Q: I am teaching 21 students from the Middle East and N.Africa and we got into a dialogue about how one ... A: The word 'hate' stems from the Old English word 'hatian' (meaning hatred) which appears before the ... | |
| etymology of a proverb | 7/28/2006 |
| Q: respected sir, what is the etymology and origin of the proverb "Beggars can't be Choosers" any ... A: The meaning of 'Beggars can't be Choosers': If you are in need, you must accept whatever you ... | |
| Latin translation | 7/26/2006 |
| Q: A Dr. today referenced "ontogeny recapitularis phyogeny" - any idea of what he was referencing? ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, My specialty is etymology, the origins of English words and ... | |
| gloaming | 7/25/2006 |
| Q: think this is a gaelic work for sunset. intrigued by it and wonder about its origin. thank you ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, The word 'gloaming' first surfaced in Old English in about ... | |
| Phrase origins | 7/24/2006 |
| Q: I don't mean to be vulgar, but I heard the phrase "He has a bug up his ass" and wondered where it ... A: That phrase, meaning to have a bothersome issue to deal with, is fairly modern, first surfacing in ... | |
| bangs/ fringe | 7/24/2006 |
| Q: I know that in America short hair hanging down over a person's forhead are called "bangs." While in ... A: The term bangs, always used in the plural, is, as you know the fringe of hair usually cut squarely ... | |
| Origins of latin words | 7/21/2006 |
| Q: What can you tell me about the origins and geography of Atria (Hadria) is it a high place or is it ... A: The word 'atrium' comes directly from Latin and means courtyard. Atria, the plural form, refers to ... | |
| translation/ meaning of word | 7/18/2006 |
| Q: what is the meaning of the word "Macaria" A: I hope you're having a fine week, We find no English word 'Macaria' but Macaria is a female ... | |
| Old phrases | 7/18/2006 |
| Q: "Katy Bar The Door" means exactly what? Does this refer to the old days when the settlers or ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Katy-bar-the-door' meanins watch out, take precautions, big ... | |
| Beggars belief | 7/16/2006 |
| Q: Sharon C A: Beggar is often used, especially by the British , simply to mean rascal or scoundrel with no direct ... | |
| translation please | 7/13/2006 |
| Q: How would I say the words listed in Latin Death, Shadow, Dragon, Flame or fire and Destruction. ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, My specialty is etymology, the origins of English words and ... | |
| food preparation | 7/12/2006 |
| Q: I was wondering where the term "shuck", came from. It is the way that a clam is opened to eat. A: I hope you're having a fine week. You've chosen an interesting word with a choice of origins. ... | |
| origin of words | 7/6/2006 |
| Q: Carol Do you know an origin of these words: Jewelry, jewels, jems, gold and precious ... A: The word jewel stems from the Medieval Latin word 'jocus' meaning pastime or sport. Our word 'joke' ... | |
| another word for definition | 7/2/2006 |
| Q: If Syntax refers to grammar and the arrangement of words as elements in a sentence, and etymology is ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, I believe that 'synonym' is what you're looking for to ... | |
| universe | 6/27/2006 |
| Q: Then other day someone said that the word "universe" means "one word". I cannot find support for ... A: I'm happy to answer your question, Universe comes to us directly from Latin. The Latin word ... | |
| Word for this phrase | 6/26/2006 |
| Q: What is the word for a person that believes everything,anything and every time A: There are really no nouns for such a person but there are adjectives: A person who believes just ... | |
| origin | 6/23/2006 |
| Q: was the word pro shortened for somthing in the term pros and cons A: The word 'pro' from the expression 'pros and cons' is not a shortened form of a longer word. But ... | |
| Meaning of 'Animus' in Latin | 6/16/2006 |
| Q: I for some years have been trying to find the word for 'courage' in latin. The closest I could find ... A: I hope that you're having a fine weekend, You are correct! There is a better Latin word for ... | |
| Word for | 6/12/2006 |
| Q: I read on this same website that someone responded that we can add "ize" to any noun or adjective to ... A: English grammarians and language purists do not accept the legitimacy or propriety of adding 'ize' ... | |
| Word for | 6/12/2006 |
| Q: I don't know if I spell it right, but is there such a word as independesize? I am a teacher and ... A: 'Independesize' may have been used somewhere as an idiomatic coinage or for comedic effect but I ... | |
| origin of expression | 6/8/2006 |
| Q: where does the expression "knock it off" come from? A: Our best sources tell us that 'knock it off' refers to knocking off the proverbial chip on the ... | |
| "far fetched" | 6/6/2006 |
| Q: A friend, when reading a list of origins of colloquialisms exclaimed that some seemed "far fetched" ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, The adjective 'far-fetched' first appeared in the mid 1500's ... | |
| etymology | 6/2/2006 |
| Q: what is the history of the word education its origins,,also do you know what the arabic word mecca ... A: The specific use of 'education' meaning to instruct is first recorded in 1588 in Shakespeare's play, ... | |
| english phrase meaning | 5/26/2006 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could tell me the meaning of the phrase "the proof is in the pudding?" Does ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, 'The proof is in the pudding' is an abbreviated version of ... | |
| tennis meanings | 5/23/2006 |
| Q: Where did the term "let" derive from in the game of tennis? and what is the translation of the word ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, The tennis expression 'let' , the sense of interference with ... | |
| origin of the word pimp | 5/20/2006 |
| Q: I am currently doing research on the origin of the word pimp for a school project. It would be ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend. You're correct. The word 'pimp' first appeared in ... | |
| phrase derivation | 5/17/2006 |
| Q: Do you know where the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" came from? Thanks A: I hope you're having a fine week, I'm told that the origin of 'everything but the kitchen sink' ... | |
| Word for a definition | 5/11/2006 |
| Q: I know the definition; I just can't think of the word(s). "It can happen to others, but not to ... A: During the Second World War there was, for the most part, unanimity of purpose; the enemies were ... | |
| Translation of Central Park latin phrase | 5/10/2006 |
| Q: I read this phrase on a marble bench in Central Park and wondered if you can help with the meaning: ... A: English etymology is my specialty but I'll be happy to translate the phrase for you. "Alteri ... | |
| Mind | 5/10/2006 |
| Q: What is the latin word for "Mind"? And what is its definition / meaning in Latin? Best Regards, ... A: THE LATIN WORD FOR MIND IS 'MENS' IT MEANS THE BRAIN'S STATE OF RECOLLECTION OR MEMORY. THE ... | |
| "Mouth"... | 5/8/2006 |
| Q: MyI was wondering about the origin of the word "Mouth". I'm interested in knowing the derivation of ... A: and thank you for your question, The word 'mouth' stems from the Gothic 'munthe' meaning mouth, ... | |
| derivation of the word "religion" | 5/3/2006 |
| Q: I can't find the root word of religion, someone told me it means, to bind. Help please A: THE WORD RELIGION STEMS FROM THE LATIN WORD 'RELIGIONEM" MEANING RESPECT FOR WHAT IS SACRED PROBABLY ... | |
| Arabic language took words from english language | 5/1/2006 |
| Q: my question is that my language(Arabic)has borrowed words from different language and we use them ... A: I would love to help you but my specialty is etymology; the origins of English words and phrases. ... | |
| Latin translation | 4/28/2006 |
| Q: I need the translation for "That which does not kill us makes us stronger". I so far have found ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, My specialty is etymology, the origins of English words ... | |
| The origin of 'Police'. | 4/23/2006 |
| Q: I recently gave a talk to a business lunch group, and was asked where we get the word 'Police'. I ... A: Greetings, I hope you've had a fine weekend, The word 'police' stems from the Greek word ... | |
| Latin Translation | 4/19/2006 |
| Q: I would like to thank you for your time. I would like to get a rememberance tattoo for three members ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, My specialty is English etymology but I'll be happy to give ... | |
| etymology | 4/8/2006 |
| Q: what is the origin of the word feedback? Feedback being defined as information given to iprove ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, The term 'feedback' first appeared in the 1920's and grew ... | |
| etymology | 4/6/2006 |
| Q: what is the origin of the phrase i have a bone to pick with you; bone to pick A: I hope you're having a fine week, As you know,the idiom "I have a bone to pick with you" means ... | |
| equitable | 4/5/2006 |
| Q: In writing reports for qualitative market research studies, I often work with the concept of brand ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, You have posed a fascinating question but unfortunately it ... | |
| derivation | 4/5/2006 |
| Q: Looking for derivation of word "meaning" or its root. A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, I sent this before but somehow Allexperts says it never ... | |
| Careers in Etymology | 4/5/2006 |
| Q: but I was wondering if you knew how one would pursue a career in etymology? Or etymolgy related ... A: Yes your question does not deal with the origin of words or phrases but I'll try to answer it. ... | |
| word meaning | 4/3/2006 |
| Q: I was recently talking to my teacher about greek numbers and when looking at the numbers we noticed ... A: I've circulated your question to several sources and will be happy to forward any additional ... | |
| Source of "Malibu" | 3/6/2006 |
| Q: A friend tells me that "Malibu" is a combination of the French "mal" and "hibou" and means the ... A: I searched many sources for the etymology of Malibu and no one seems to be certain of its origin. ... | |
| Extraordinary | 3/6/2006 |
| Q: The word Extraordinary is very powerful. Please give me the real meaning in a form of introduction ... A: The etymology of 'extraordinary': The word 'extraordinary' stems from the Latin words 'extra' ... | |
| The phrase "jump! how high?" | 3/5/2006 |
| Q: What is the etymology of the phrase "jump! how high?" and it's various derivations? Web searches ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, The use of the expression is from recent pop culture. It ... | |
| Need correct translation, lost in variables | 3/3/2006 |
| Q: I would like to translate, correctly, the expression "forgive but never forget" I have arrived at a ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend. My specialty is etymology; the origins of English words ... | |
| etymology and meaning of Marea | 3/3/2006 |
| Q: I have been researching the word Marea, as a possible name for my daughter-to-be. Do you know the ... A: Checking numerous source books on names, the closest we find to Marea is the modern English name ... | |
| phrase origin and meaning | 3/2/2006 |
| Q: Could you please tell me the origin and meaning of the phrase "I'll take a stab at it?" Thank you! A: The term "Take a stab at it" means to try or attempt something. Used in a sentence: I haven't had ... | |
| FINANCE | 2/14/2006 |
| Q: In the world of high finance (Investment Banking) there is a word "Tombstone" which is used to ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, I was quite confident that I knew the origin of 'tombstone' ... | |
| tsunami | 2/13/2006 |
| Q: what does it mean? A: I hope you're having a fine week. A tsunmai is a huge ocean wave, sometimes called a tidal ... | |
| etymology of the word ask | 2/10/2006 |
| Q: what is the etymology of the word ask? A: The word 'ask' stems from the Old English 'ascian' (about 885). 'Ascian' is a descendant of the Old ... | |
| seventh heaven | 2/6/2006 |
| Q: What is the origin of the phrase: to be on the seventh heaven? Thank You! A: AND WELCOME TO A NEW WEEK, TO BE IN 'SEVENTH HEAVEN' MEANS TO BE ENJOYING THE ULTIMATE ... | |
| Latin technical terms | 2/4/2006 |
| Q: I am looking for help with 4 Latin technical terms. In an article by Ramsay in the 1875 ... A: Greetings, I hope you're having a fine weekend, My specialty is etymology; the origins of ... | |
| language usage | 2/2/2006 |
| Q: Pozefsky, I think you are just the expert I am looking for! I always been extrememly interested in ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, How refreshing to encounter an original, inquisitive mind! ... | |
| English words derived from Latin | 1/29/2006 |
| Q: I would like to have a list of the most commonly used words in our every day conversations of ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, Here are some well known English words that evolve from ... | |
| What is the origin of the... | 1/26/2006 |
| Q: What is the origin of the word \\\"Hispanic\\\". A: In 1584, 'Hispanic' first appeared in English from the Latin word Hispanicus meaning Spanish. ... | |
| origin of phrase | 1/19/2006 |
| Q: It's clear what "thinking outside the box" means. But where did this phrase come from. It seems ... A: I remember the 'box puzzle' we used to do in college but wanted to confirm that it was the source of ... | |
| Christmas | 1/13/2006 |
| Q: What is the precise meaning/derivation of the word crimbo A: Apparently 'CRIMBO' is a slang synonym for the word 'Christmas'. See the following: The word ... | |
| Origin of the word "Performance" | 12/25/2005 |
| Q: I have noticed how the company I work for likes to use the word "performance" to give an overall ... A: It's always a pleasure to meet someone who is thoughtful about the use of words; the subtleties and ... | |
| Origin of the word "Performance" | 12/25/2005 |
| Q: I have noticed how the company I work for likes to use the word "performance" to give an overall ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, It's a mystery to me that you never received my answer to this ... | |
| assassination | 12/19/2005 |
| Q: where do the words assassination and assassinate come from? A: I hope you're having a fine week, The word 'assassination' comes from the Old French word ... | |
| Word definition | 12/17/2005 |
| Q: The meaning of the word "damascene" when used in the literary sense , ie His damascene conversion ... A: Literally, damascene, used as an adjective, means characteristic of Damascus or its people. ... | |
| Word meaning | 12/12/2005 |
| Q: Would you please let me know the origins of the word 'holiday'. Thank you! A: Holiday is a compound stemming from the words holy and day. The word 'holiday' first surfaced in ... | |
| derivation of "therapeutic" | 12/8/2005 |
| Q: I would like to know about the derivation of the word "therapeutic." Specifically: the "peu." ... A: Therapeutic, having to do with the treatment of disease, stems from the Greek 'therapeutikos' ... | |
| "Puer" | 12/2/2005 |
| Q: Good evening Carol Please , hoping that you can help me.. I know the Latin word "puer" is "young ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend.. My specialty is etymology; the origins of English words ... | |
| meaning of words | 12/1/2005 |
| Q: Do words have relatively clear meanings, or should we be sceptical about the very notion of meaning? A: I hope you're having a fine week, My specialty is etymology; the origins of English words and ... | |
| meaning of word | 12/1/2005 |
| Q: What does Pepperdine mean? Didn't know if is a proper name (someone's name) or if it has a specific ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. Yes, Pepperdine is a proper noun. The best known bearer of ... | |
| meaning of two words... | 11/27/2005 |
| Q: Sir, We had a country wide test for selection to premier B Schools in India. In the test we were ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, In England 'blunk' is a fit of squally, tempestuous ... | |
| ESPREON | 11/15/2005 |
| Q: What is the full meaning of the word "ESPREON"? A: I hope you're having a week. None of my good sources find the word 'espreon' in any standard or ... | |
| Meaning of | 11/15/2005 |
| Q: Where did the term "public servant" come from? A: "Public servant" , as a euphemism for government employee has been in the language since the ... | |
| vocabulary improvement | 11/12/2005 |
| Q: How can we enlarge our vocabulary through latin and Greek morphemes? A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, It's so good to know that there are still good folks ... | |
| Two words combined to make new word | 10/18/2005 |
| Q: There is a term for a category of words created by combining two other words. Example: deadpan ... A: Words that contain separate word components such as the example you give are called compound words. ... | |
| "Square" for cigarette | 10/8/2005 |
| Q: I was wondering if you knew the origin of using the word "square" for cigarette. Among my friends, ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, Although I've never heard the word 'square' used to mean ... | |
| English to Latin translation | 10/7/2005 |
| Q: I would grately appreciate the translation of "Endless Quest/Journey" into Latin A: I hope you're having fine week, Your question is a Latin translation question. My specialty ... | |
| Etymology | 9/21/2005 |
| Q: I am looking for the BEST person in the world I can find to help me in my study of the history of ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. My specialty is English etymology; the origins of English ... | |
| baby names | 8/7/2005 |
| Q: My wife and I are considering female names for our first child. We liked the name Ahma (our ... A: The best to you always and congratulations on your coming event. I've just returned from a 2 week ... | |
| word to describe.... | 7/4/2005 |
| Q: hope you can help: What is the term for a series of letters which represent a word phonetically but ... A: I hope you had a nice holiday, No, rebus is not a new word. As kids we used to buy rebus books ... | |
| word to describe.... | 7/4/2005 |
| Q: hope you can help: What is the term for a series of letters which represent a word phonetically but ... A: Term for XTC U R never 2 old or 2 yy 2 learn that a REBUS is an enigmatic representation of a name ... | |
| latin translation | 6/22/2005 |
| Q: can i ask what " VIS FATI " means. thanks A: I hope you're having a fine week, My specialty is etymology not foreign language translation ... | |
| Can you answer my question? | 6/21/2005 |
| Q: i recently read a poem which spurred my imagination and caused me to link its imagery to a word that ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, My specialty is etymology; the origins of English words ... | |
| Meaning of a word | 6/20/2005 |
| Q: Carol, Can you tell me the meaning of the word uggles? or uggels? not sure of the spelling - ... A: Apparently 'uggles' is a new coinage because it was not contained in any of the many standard ... | |
| word meanings | 6/20/2005 |
| Q: what does the word columbia mean. Like British Columbia. The country Columbia and many other ... A: British Columbia, Columbia South Carolina, the river Columbia of Northwest America as well as the ... | |
| similar names | 6/15/2005 |
| Q: I'm trying to connect the name Anahita, the immaculate one, from an old sumerian name and the name ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, I have a feeling that my first reply never got to you. I ... | |
| Yahle | 5/26/2005 |
| Q: I don't know what the word "Yahle" means, and don't even know what language is it, tried ... A: My specialty is etymology, the origins of English words and phrases. "Yahle" is not an English word ... | |
| meaning of a word | 5/25/2005 |
| Q: do you know what the word COEDWAY means or its origins as we are moving to a house with it in the ... A: The prefix 'coed' is an abbreviated form for 'coeducational' meaning education for both males and ... | |
| latin translation | 5/24/2005 |
| Q: carol, i hope you can help,i am a recent graduate of firefighting academy. i have been told that the ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, My specialty is etymology, the origins of English words and ... | |
| smybol of torch | 5/23/2005 |
| Q: what does the symbol of torch stand for,what does it mean for other countries or ethnic groups A: The torch has always been a symbol of hope ,freedom and faith; the light of hope when all else is ... | |
| word meaning | 5/11/2005 |
| Q: What does 'philadelphia' mean? A: The word Philadelphia stems from the Greek words 'philos' meaning love and 'adelphos' meaning ... | |
| translation from english to latin | 5/1/2005 |
| Q: think speak into latin A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, This is not a Latin translation page. My specialty is ... | |
| Yoga | 4/14/2005 |
| Q: What is the meaning of the word yoga and what is it's country of origin A: Yoga is a system of Hindu ascetic philosophy and exercises that seeks union with the Supreme Spirit. ... | |
| Please translate to English | 4/14/2005 |
| Q: What does this mean in English? "Quod non me delet fortiorem facit" this is much appreciated becos ... A: I'll be happy to translate this for you although my specialty is not foregin language translation. ... | |
| english to latin translation | 4/10/2005 |
| Q: I was wondering if you knew how to translate the two following phrases from english into latin for ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, I think you've knocked on the wrong door. What you need ... | |
| Translation | 4/8/2005 |
| Q: I was curious if you could trasnlate a quote from english to latin for me. " Without a struggle ... A: I hope you're having a fine week. What you're looking for is a Latin translation page. My ... | |
| Jwahyr/Jwahir | 4/7/2005 |
| Q: What does the word "Jwahyr" or "Jwahir" mean? A: 'Jwahyr' and 'Jwahir' stem from the Indian name Jawahar which means a regional leader or king. We ... | |
| etymology | 4/5/2005 |
| Q: I was hoping you could tell me the etymology of the word "teach" or "teaching" or "teacher" even. ... A: The word teach stems from the Old English 'taecan' meaning to show or point out. also "to give ... | |
| Latin translations for my litle brother | 4/1/2005 |
| Q: Yo cazza_ I'm just after some translation of english into its Latin- if you don't have an eact ... A: (even though it's not in the etymology category, I'll give it my best shot) BROTHERS; FRATERS ... | |
| How do you say "water is life" in Latin? | 3/30/2005 |
| Q: I need to know this to help someone in India who is starting a water project - getting volunteers to ... A: My specialty is etymology; the origins of English words and phrases. But let me help you with your ... | |
| Know Thyself | 3/27/2005 |
| Q: .. i was trying to figure out what the proper latin phrase for "know thyself" was and i found two ... A: The Latin phrase for 'know thyself' is 'Nosce Te Ipsum' pronounced NAW skeh tay IH psumm ... | |
| What does name, Khateem, mean? | 3/14/2005 |
| Q: My friend's name is Khateem. What does Khateem mean? A: I hope you're having a fine week, My sources tell me that the name Khateem means wonderful to ... | |
| "ask" | 3/12/2005 |
| Q: My 8th grade French teacher told me (either as a joke or as reality, and I'm curious which it is) ... A: No, there is no truth to that story. The word 'ask' stems from the Old Saxon word 'escon', the Old ... | |
| Motto Translation | 3/2/2005 |
| Q: I've been searching for the meaning to the motto "Pro Rege Et Patria." for quite some time now and i ... A: I hope you're weekend was pleasant, Allexperts must be slipping. I sent the answer to this ... | |
| Meaning of the phrase "beggars belief". | 3/1/2005 |
| Q: The subject is pretty much the question! I've done a LOT of research - online and from books - and ... A: When one says it 'beggars belief' it is another way of saying it defies belief. Or, in other words, ... | |
| Chambermaid | 2/17/2005 |
| Q: Could you pls tell me more about this combined word. When it was first used and why? The current ... A: The word 'chambermaid' has been in English usage for several centuries. It first surfaced in Great ... | |
| translation into latin | 2/14/2005 |
| Q: could you please translate afew words for me,there for maybe a tatoo as my grandad recently passed ... A: My specialty is English etymology, the origins of English words and phrases. I'm told there are ... | |
| English Phrase to Latin | 2/5/2005 |
| Q: I would like to know how 'Til Death Do Us Part' would be translated into latin. A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, I'll give it a try, although my specialty is English ... | |
| English-Latin | 2/3/2005 |
| Q: First, I was wondering if you happen to know Latin translation. If so, I am trying to find 2 nicely ... A: My specialty is English etymology, the origins of English words and phrases. I'm told that Italatin ... | |
| The meaning of the words | 2/3/2005 |
| Q: I think perhaps I was not clear on my question. You have given me a great answer regarding the ... A: The etymologists trace the word high to the Sanscript word 'kucati' which means 'it curves or ... | |
| The meaning of the words "highway" and "freeway" | 2/3/2005 |
| Q: my five year old asked the meaning of the words "highway" and "freeway" and although I can come up ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, A highway is a road that is open to public use by right and ... | |
| multiple meanings of "the Stepford wives" | 1/13/2005 |
| Q: I am looking for multiple meanings of the term "stepford wives" as it has entered the english ... A: The original Stepford Wives movie was released several decades ago and depicted (just as the new ... | |
| 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: The word 'etymology' stems from the Latin word 'etymologia' and the Greek word 'etymon' both meaning ... | |
| Words and languages | 11/30/2004 |
| Q: What is the role of words and language in religion? A: I hope that you're having a fine day, My specialty is etymology, the origins of English words ... | |
| Translation from English to Latin | 11/29/2004 |
| Q: I am wanting to know if you can translate the phrase "to envy" from english into Latin. Thank you so ... A: I hope you're having a fine evening, My specialty In the future you might try a Latin ... | |
| Latin | 11/29/2004 |
| Q: There is an expression in latin that basically means "you can't give what you don't have" do you ... A: I hope you're having a fine day, I'd love to help you but my specialty is etymology , the ... | |
| Word meaning | 11/21/2004 |
| Q: I was told that de novo meant "renew" or "start afresh." I'm wondering if that's its meaning in ... A: My specialty is etymology not Latin translations but this one is easy so here goes: Like DE ... | |
| etymology | 11/19/2004 |
| Q: What is the origin of the word "Soulmate?" A: The word 'soul' stems from the Old English word ' sawol' meaning the spiritual and emotional part of ... | |
| Kudos | 11/13/2004 |
| Q: The Greek word kudos (praise, honors) is singular. What is the plural? Thanks much. A: THis question must have fallen through the cracks because this is the first I have seen it. ... | |
| Etymology | 11/12/2004 |
| Q: What is the meaning of the word "baleine" or whale in english ? Thanks a lot for your help Josiane A: The English word 'whale' stems from the Old Saxon word 'hwal' (same meaning) The modern Dutch word ... | |
| etymology of | 10/31/2004 |
| Q: I will go and ask a Afrikaans website but as far as I could see their is no such a website in ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, This dictionary entry confirms my definition of a 'nuclear ... | |
| translation | 10/20/2004 |
| Q: Please can you translate the following into latin "revenge is a dish best served cold" thank you ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, This is not a Latin translation page. My specialty is ... | |
| English Phrase to Latin | 10/19/2004 |
| Q: I was just wondering the Latin form of "Night Heart" as in the a person or being of the night, for a ... A: I hope you're having a good week, My specialty is English etymology. I think what you're ... | |
| meaning / use of word, "sincere" | 10/14/2004 |
| Q: This "AllExperts" site is a neat concept to be sure. I have a specific question but permit me to ... A: I hope you've had a fine week, Most word authorities trace the word 'sincere' to the Latin word ... | |
| Latin Translation | 10/11/2004 |
| Q: G'Day, I like the popular phraze 'carpe diem' meaning, 'sieze the day'. What I would like to know ... A: I hope you're having a fine day, My specialty is English etymology, the origins of English ... | |
| Deathnell? | 10/6/2004 |
| Q: I've heard and used the word 'deathnell' for quite a few years... someone saw that I had used the ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, A 'death knell' ( two words) is an action or event that ... | |
| "ouevre" | 10/6/2004 |
| Q: I've looked in a few dictionaries and could not find the word "ouevre". I have a vague idea of the ... A: The word you're looking for is spelled 'oeuvre' and refers to a substantial body of work ... | |
| Phrase on my Family Coat of Arms | 9/27/2004 |
| Q: On my family Coat of Arms it says "Despuendo Conservabis". Could you please explain to me its ... A: I hope you have a fine week, I think you need a Latin translator. I'm a volunteer etymologist ... | |
| 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: Several etymological sources failed to include the word 'fomite' but I discovered this on the ... | |
| FARM LAND | 9/26/2004 |
| Q: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE WORD[ TINEING ] A: The verb tining (no 'e') is British dialect meaning to become lost. The word 'tine' is Scandinavian ... | |
| Latin for "please" | 9/21/2004 |
| Q: i wonder if you could be so kind to tell me if there is a word in latin for "please"? as in, Please ... A: My specialty is etymology, the origins of words and phrases but I'll be happy to help you with your ... | |
| Latin translation | 9/20/2004 |
| Q: What is the Latin translation for "I shall rise"? A: Etymology is the study of word and phrase origin but I'll be happy to provide this Latin ... | |
| the phrase "runner-up" | 8/30/2004 |
| Q: Got to thinking about this during the Olympics. We all know what it means- but how did it come ... A: As with so many expressions, there are a number of etymologies provided by various sources and the ... | |
| What is the origin of galore? | 8/22/2004 |
| Q: I've heard stores say they have "bargains galore". Is this word -- galore or gallore -- something ... A: Good Monday morning, I hope you have a fine week, The word galore, meaning in abundance, ... | |
| two words sliced together to make one new word | 8/22/2004 |
| Q: What's the name for 2 words that are combined to make one new-fangled one? For ex., Spam. From two ... A: Good Monday morning and thank you for your question, A conjunction, of course, is formed by ... | |
| Word Definition | 8/21/2004 |
| Q: I have the definition for a word, but I can't think of the word. The Definiton is: When you realize ... A: The words that come to mind are 'epiphany' and 'revelation' but my specialty is etymology, the ... | |
| excessive tea drinker | 8/21/2004 |
| Q: What is the word for an excessive tea drinker? Help! I found it in the dictionary once and now I ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend. My category is etymology; the origins of words and ... | |
| Latin to English Translation | 8/20/2004 |
| Q: Do you know what "post hoc ergo proctor hoc" means in English? A: "Post hoc ergo propter hoc " literally means 'After this, therefore because of this." It's used in ... | |
| meaning of a word | 8/18/2004 |
| Q: could you please advice me on the meaning of the word "Eurella"? I cannot find it in the ... A: The prefix Eu is the Greek word for well or happy as in 'euphemism', 'euphoria', and 'euphonius' all ... | |
| meaning of a phrase | 8/17/2004 |
| Q: wat the meaning and origin of the phrase Bed of roses? A: We can trace the expression 'Bed of roses' back to medeival times when it was not uncommon for ... | |
| Etymology of the word "understand" | 8/16/2004 |
| Q: What is the etymology of the word "understand"? I have checked several sources, but none are ... A: Good Monday morning and thank you for your question, I did a search of my sources (Barnhart ... | |
| Just a translation | 8/13/2004 |
| Q: I am very interested in the Latin language. The structure of the words is really quite beautiful. I ... A: I think what you're looking for is a Latin translation site. My specialty is etymology, the origins ... | |
| Definition | 8/12/2004 |
| Q: I've seen (two or three times in many years) the word "dupient," and I saw the word a few months ... A: Here are the sources we checked for 'dupient': Webster's 3rd International Dictionary ... | |
| Pear-shaped | 8/11/2004 |
| Q: could you explain the origins of the phrase pear-shaped, used when things have gone wrong - eg. it's ... A: "It went pear-shaped" is used, in common English jargon, to refer to a project that resulted in ... | |
| Word origin | 8/7/2004 |
| Q: What is the origin of the word "trophy"? I have checked that it comes from the Greek, but what was ... A: Music Expert, (Rock? Standards? Rap? Classical? All Categories? I'd love to know ) The English ... | |
| Changes in Language Usage | 8/4/2004 |
| Q: I am interested in how the words "culture" and "industry" have changed through the centuries. How ... A: The word 'culture' stems from the French word, same spelling and from the Latin 'cultura' both ... | |
| Etymology of "anchor." | 7/20/2004 |
| Q: Where did the term "anchor" for a newscaster come from? Who was the firstt, Walter Cronkite? Do they ... A: The word anchor stems from the Latin 'ancora'and the Greek 'ankyra'. The Middle English 'ancre' ... | |
| Meaning of phrase in blues song | 7/19/2004 |
| Q: Robert Johnson recorded Walking Blues in 1937-38. In one verse, slightly paraphrased, he says: ... A: Not one of at least 20 blues/slang sources has any mention of the phrase "She can break in on a ... | |
| THE LETTER "X" | 7/14/2004 |
| Q: I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS ANY BIBLICAL OR PERHAPS HISTORICAL MEANING OR REFERENCE TO THE LETTER ... A: For hundreds of years X has been used as an abbreviation for Christ, as in Xmas for Christmas but I ... | |
| "slang" | 7/4/2004 |
| Q: Carol, I was very interested to read your response re the origin of the word 'slang'. As you may be ... A: This was fascinating reading but really outside the realm of strict etymology. I wish I had the ... | |
| derivation of names | 6/30/2004 |
| Q: I've heard that the name Nancy, in addition to being a nickname for Ann/Anne, may also be a nickname ... A: Here is what I find in Andrian Room's superb book, Brewer's names: 1. The name Nancy came to be ... | |
| random english-to-latin translations | 6/29/2004 |
| Q: ive got an art project coming up, and to make a long story short, id like to include some latin ... A: I hope you are having a fine week, My specialty is etymology, not Latin translations but I'll give ... | |
| Etymology of "religion" | 6/24/2004 |
| Q: I read your response to the question about etymology of religion (Nov 03?) and thank you. I have ... A: The word 'sacrilegious' stems from the Latin word 'sacrilegium' meaning the robbery of temples. ... | |
| english to latin phrase | 6/23/2004 |
| Q: I am looking for the translation to "struggle and emerge". I am going to get a tattoo of it on my ... A: My category is etymology, the origins of words and phrases but I'll be happy to help you with your ... | |
| etymology - sharpshooter | 6/18/2004 |
| Q: It has been suggested that the word sharpshooter is derived from the Sharps rifle (buffalo gun). Any ... A: The word sharpshooter stems from the Old English (before 830) word 'scharp' appearing in the book ... | |
| Meaning of the words curriculum vitae | 6/16/2004 |
| Q: can you tell me where the words CURRICULUM VITAE come from (think its latin)and what they mean? ... A: Curriculum Vitae has the same meaning as 'resume', the information you submit to a potential ... | |
| Baseball | 6/5/2004 |
| Q: Where did the word Hot Stove Baseball come from? I think I am spelling it correctly. This goes back ... A: My sources tell me that the term 'hot stove league' first surfaced in the early 1900's and referred ... | |
| english to latin | 6/4/2004 |
| Q: Carol Could you please write the following in latin for me please..... "Life and Death" "Energy ... A: I would love to help you but my specialty is etymology; the origin of words and phrases. ... | |
| Pro's and Con's | 6/3/2004 |
| Q: Where does the saying "pros and cons" come from? A: The term 'pro's and con's comes from Latin. Pro means for, on behalf of, and contra, shortenend to ... | |
| word equivlant | 5/28/2004 |
| Q: Im looking for the equivilent word for "le mot juste"... (The most apt word of phrase that you could ... A: There seems to be no single word which fully conveys 'le mot juste'. In the foreign word and phrase ... | |
| Female equivalent of word | 5/27/2004 |
| Q: We were wondering if there is a word which is the female equivalent of the French word roue (accent ... A: I went to several sources for this one and found, as I suspected, that there is really no female ... | |
| lexicology/linguistics | 4/20/2004 |
| Q: How did the origin of "a band of men" come about, and how long has it been in use? how would I go ... A: The term band of men signifying a group acting together is believed to stem from the use of a band ... | |
| Etymology | 3/26/2004 |
| Q: What is the Etymological origin of the word California. I understand much of California's history ... A: According to Brewer's Names, there are two theories concerning the etymology of California. either ... | |
| Dead Cat | 3/24/2004 |
| Q: Do you have any idea where the phrase "swing a dead cat" originated? Thanks! Dana A: Rather perverse, ironic jokes about dead cats surfaced about 20 years ago and for a decade or so ... | |
| Etymology of 'Outcast' | 3/18/2004 |
| Q: So, "Outcast." Does it come from the idea of casting out someone, or does it come from the Indian ... A: Outcast stems from the Scandanavian word casten which first appears in a 13th century book called ... | |
| Off the chart | 3/18/2004 |
| Q: We've discussed this phrase on the wordorigins.org forum and sought the origin without success. ... A: My best sources assure me that the expression "off the chart' first surfaced in the 1980's and ... | |
| LATIN PHRASE | 3/18/2004 |
| Q: I need an accurate English translation of the Latin phrase 'Fortis in Fide'. This is a family crest ... A: For some reason this is the 4th time I've been sent this question but I'm happy to answer it once ... | |
| Meaning of Middle Dutch Words (Old Norse) | 3/17/2004 |
| Q: I am researching ancestors who lived in Schenectady, NY in the 16th and 17th century. I come across ... A: your question is fascinating but doesn't fall under my area of expertise. Since much of the ... | |
| translation of latin phrase | 3/17/2004 |
| Q: Is it possible to translate, into English, the following Latin phrase "fortis in fides" ? It is a ... A: My specialty is etymology, the origins of English words and phrases but I'll be happy to take a stab ... | |
| etymology | 3/14/2004 |
| Q: What is the origin of the phrase "brown nose"? A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, The expression "brown nose" is vulgar in origin and ... | |
| English to Latin phrase translation | 3/12/2004 |
| Q: How would you say "Live the Chip" in Latin? A: My specialty is etymology, the origins of words and phrases. What you need is a Latin translation ... | |
| Baby Names | 3/11/2004 |
| Q: Can you tell me the origin and meaning of the name Zarmina. I can't seem to find it anywhere. ... A: I just sent an answer to this question but a window appeared that read the address was wrong. ... | |
| Etymology | 3/10/2004 |
| Q: Could you shed light on the etymology of the familiar idiom: Killing two birds with one stone? I ... A: You have found a Japanese association with the idiom 'killing two birds with one stone'. My sources ... | |
| origin of a phrase | 3/9/2004 |
| Q: What is the origin of the term "real estate"? A: In civil law, the word 'real' relates to land as distinuguished from personal property. The term is ... | |
| writing | 3/6/2004 |
| Q: i am doing a biography on Marilyn Monroe. I need to know what it means when you change your name ... A: There are several expressions representing name changes. You can take your pick. 'Nom de ... | |
| How "jet fighter" became "fighter jet" | 3/5/2004 |
| Q: Sometime in the recent past (perhaps during the Bosnian war) the news media started calling small ... A: interesting question, (Not by any means a formula greeting. I really mean it) Having spent the ... | |
| origin of a phrase | 3/4/2004 |
| Q: Where does the phrase "I'm dying to know" originate? A: I hope you've been having a fine week, Much as the terms 'to die for' , 'I'd die for the ... | |
| interesting phrase | 3/4/2004 |
| Q: My great grandmother used to talk about "lop eared dutchman." She was in her nineties and didn't ... A: I hope all is well with you, It is the consensus of my most reliable sources that this phrase ... | |
| root words | 3/2/2004 |
| Q: I need to find the roots for some words. I need to know a good website for finding root words. A: I hope you're having a fine week, Here is a good website for finding word and phrase origins. ... | |
| Latin phrase spoken by Jesus | 3/2/2004 |
| Q: I wanted to know how the phrase "I AM" would transelate into latin. Also the phrase, "May I die when ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Your question is one of language translation and my category ... | |
| translate latin phrase to english | 3/1/2004 |
| Q: "inhior a omni fututum esse a nullo" I saw this tattooed on someone at my place of buisness and was ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, Unfortunately, this is a language translation question and my ... | |
| meaning of word SANDOR | 2/29/2004 |
| Q: what is the meaning of word SANDOR? A: I hope you have a fine week, Sandor is the Hungarian name for Alexander. The name is familiar ... | |
| Phrase origin. | 2/28/2004 |
| Q: What is the origin of the phrase, "hair of the dog"? A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, Here's what The Facts on File Encyclodpedia of Word and ... | |
| Etymology of Dating | 2/28/2004 |
| Q: I'm trying to find the etymology of the relationship words: "dating" and "courting." Maybe by ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, The verb 'date' meaning to make an appointment or ... | |
| The language of failure | 2/27/2004 |
| Q: Carol, I'm interested in exploring the roots of the word "failure". I know that it derives from the ... A: Eric, and thank you for your question, My sources trace the word failure to falloir, to be ... | |
| the word 'Slang' | 2/26/2004 |
| Q: I have come accross the word "slang" on a tithe map of 1842, referring to a small parcel of land ... A: I find many references to slang in conventional and etymological dictionaries but none that comes ... | |
| Word meaning | 2/25/2004 |
| Q: Is there such a word as QUATERNARY, & if so what is its meaning? A: Yes, there is a word QUATERNARY and used as a noun, it means a group of four. The adjective ... | |
| can you please come up with a word like..... | 2/25/2004 |
| Q: Could you please come up with a word like 'portable video' or something like that? may be some idea ... A: I hope you're having a fine week, I would love to help you but I'm a volunteer etymologist and ... | |
| English to Latin translation. | 2/25/2004 |
| Q: The word 'adjudicate' in Latin. The Phrase 'Jack for hire' in Latin. The phrase 'button lady' in ... A: I hope all is well with you, Your request is very interesting but my specialty is etymology the ... | |
| At the Crossroads | 2/20/2004 |
| Q: Where did this phrase originate? What does it mean metaphorically? A: I hope you're having fine weekend, Literally,at the crossroads means at a point where two ... | |
| Christmas | 12/17/2003 |
| Q: I am interested in finding out where the word "Christmas" originated and also the word "mass" in ... A: The word Christ stems from the Middle and Old English word Crist meaning the anointed one, the ... | |
| Chicken | 11/28/2003 |
| Q: What is the origins of the "why did the chicken cross the road" phrase? Who started it and why is it ... A: Nonsense riddles with obvious answers were a big middle-school fad during Prohibition in what were ... | |
| Religion | 11/27/2003 |
| Q: I would like to know the origins of the word, religion. Thanks! A: The word religion stems from the Latin word religionem meaning respect for what is sacred, probably ... | |
| 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: The expression 'mind you p's and q's , meaning be careful and your words and behavior, dates back ... | |
| etymology of word "tarnation" | 9/22/2003 |
| Q: What is the etymology of the word "tarnation" as in "what in tarnation?" Is it a melding of "entire ... A: I hope you're having a fine weekend, In early English, the word 'tarnal' evolved as a ... | |
| phrase origin | 7/2/2003 |
| Q: Where did the phrase "Cross your fingers" come from? A: I had a suspicion that the expression 'crossing one's fingers' was rooted in religion and , if we ... | |
| 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: There seems to be quite a bit of information about Coccium in reference books and on the Internet ... | |
| What is the name for the little... | 6/20/2003 |
| Q: What is the name for the little plastic thing on the tip of a shoelace? Thanks. A: I hope you're having a drier weekend where you are than we're having here in the northeast. An ... | |
| origin of a phrase | 6/18/2003 |
| Q: What is the origin of the phrase "good egg", referring to the character of a person? Thank you! A: A lot has been written about the origins of the phrase 'a good egg' and I'll touch on a few theories ... | |
| root/meaning of word | 6/18/2003 |
| Q: My wife and I are looking for the root and meaning of the word "kellick". I have heard the word used ... A: It's quite possible that the word you're looking for is 'killick'(also spelled kelleg , kellock or ... | |
Etymology (Meaning of Words)
Answers by Expert:
Carol Pozefsky
Top Expert on this page
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Etymology: The origins of English words and phrases. Anchor/Reporter NBC and CBS Networks. News Director 3 Regional Radio Stations.
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