English language thoughts

Cryptocurrency

Niall O'Donnell 1 Comment

You’ve probably heard this term a lot recently, referring to digital currencies such as Bitcoin. What does that prefix crypto- mean though?

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Super! Smashing! Great!

Niall O'Donnell 14 Comments

Writing a post inspired by a Smashing Pumpkins song recently got me thinking about that word smashing.

Specifically, how in British English it’s used to mean great or fantastic. What’s the link between the most common meaning of the word (crushing/breaking), and this use?

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Why is Peggy Short for Margaret?

Niall O'Donnell 24 Comments

What do these four women have in common?

Why, the fact that they all have the same name of course!

OK, they don’t really, but it’s not entirely inaccurate to say so. Why not? Read on…

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Tonight, Tonight

Niall O'Donnell 11 Comments

Why do we say tonight in English? When you think about it, it’s fairly unusual. Last night makes sense, and so does tomorrow night. But tonight? Where does that come from?

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Engrossed

Niall O'Donnell 9 Comments

Maybe you’re engrossed in a good book, or a film, or perhaps simply an interesting conversation.

Whatever it is, it’s something that’s got our full attention.

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Millennials

Niall O'Donnell 6 Comments

Are you a millennial? What even is a millennial?

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A Soupçon of Mustard

Niall O'Donnell 5 Comments

I don’t know if you know it, but I love the word soupçon. Long before I knew what it meant in French, I just loved the sound of it, and its general cheeky French air.

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