Etymology
Word origin stories

WHY is a DOLLAR like a NEANDERTHAL

“I haven’t the slightest idea,” said the Hatter. [D.R.H.]
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Word origin stories

PROBLEMATIC WORDS

In which readers suggest words and meanings that ought to be left behind at the new year and the site creator overrules them all. [D.R.H.]
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Word origin stories

A WORD IN THE NEWS

The "protest" family has some curious cousins. [D.R.H.]
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Word origin stories

DANTE'S PEEK

How much did medieval Europeans understand about the origin and relation of their languages? [D.R.H.]
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Word origin stories

LANGUAGE in a TIME of CORONA

Old words navigate new realities [D.R.H.]
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Word origin stories

JOHN MUIR and 'SAUNTER'

A walk through an etymological urban legend [D.R.H.]
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Word origin stories

JANUS WORDS

The Germans call them "Janus-words," after the ancient Roman god who guarded portals, doors, and gates; patron of beginnings and endings. He had two faces, facing opposite ways.* [D.R.H.]
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Word origin stories

NORTH, EAST, WEST, SOUTH, NOT

One of the oldest English etymological urban legends seems to be having a moment. [D.R.H.]
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Word origin stories

OF GUNS and GUNSELS

The underworld slang word "gunsel" is not a son of "gun." [D.R.H.]
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