I’m often curious about the word lady. Especially the fact that sometimes it’s Lady. Continue reading
word history
Kangaroo Words
I learned recently about the existence of kangaroo words: words that contain the letters of a synonymous word (in the correct sequence) within themselves. Continue reading
Jogging
I heard this word today, and I realised how strange it sounds. Especially when you could also say running. And I continued thinking: does jogging, the exercise, have anything to do with jogging your memory? Let’s see. Continue reading
…And Called it Macaroni
You might know the song “Yankee Doodle,” even if you’re not American. One line might sound a little strange to you:
Stuck a feather in his cap, and called it macaroni.
Why macaroni? Continue reading
Third-World Problems
I was reminded today of the term Third World. It was quite commonly used when I was a child, basically synonymous with developing world. I remember occasionally wondering as a child why we used the term (there’s only one world!), but it also feeling like it made sense. I think I was somewhen in my teens when I learned the answer.
It’s Treason Then
Without getting too political, I’ll just say that this word has been in the news quite a bit today. After seeing it a few times, I began to wonder if there perhaps were an interesting story behind it.
And of course there is! Continue reading
Canteen
Writing about the word magazine yesterday made me think of another word with a similar range of meanings: canteen. Continue reading
