Tag Archives: etymology

Let’s veterinarian this word

Posted on April 13, 2012 by

Earlier this week, I got an out-of-the blue phone call from a friend calling from his work. He was wondering how to spell vet when used in the sense of methodically considering a person or idea. I’m not perfect and … Continue reading →

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Easter etymology

Posted on April 5, 2012 by

Today’s lesson: learning the history of the word Easter and the names of its traditions   Regardless of your faith (or lack thereof), it’s likely you know the biblical story behind the Easter celebration. Jesus. Judas. Kisses. Pontius. Blood. Capital … Continue reading →

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Piles of –philes

Posted on March 9, 2012 by

Lesson: learning the suffix -phile and other awesomeness Bibliophile. Logophile. Discophile. These are three words that describe me. Lover of books. Lover of words. Lover of “gramophone records.” When you add the suffix –phile to the end of a word, … Continue reading →

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Set your phasers to learning!

Posted on December 8, 2011 by

phase (noun): a particular appearance or state in a regularly recurring cycle of changes; a distinguishable part in a course, development, or cycle phase (verb): to adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition; to conduct or carry out … Continue reading →

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A case for “they”

Posted on December 7, 2011 by

Ed Griffin’s recent post on his blog Writers Write Daily tackled a touchy subject. When referring to a person of unknown gender, should you use he/his or they/their? I, not surprisingly, have my own opinion about this topic that I … Continue reading →

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Is it “pour over” or “pore over”?

Posted on November 29, 2011 by

Nancy pours over her Klingon textbook the night before the big test. Nancy pores over her Klingon textbook the night before the big test. This is an idiom that confuses many. So which is correct? Pour over or pore over? … Continue reading →

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Irregardless: use at your own risk

Posted on October 27, 2011 by

irregardless: regardless —Merriam-Webster Dictionary Etymology Irregardless is likely a blend of irrespective and regardless. People have been using irregardless since at least the 1870s.[i] Usage controversy An easy way to elicit groans from your snooty peers is to pepper your … Continue reading →

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Frequently misused words: irony, ironic, ironically

Posted on October 26, 2011 by

  irony: a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often wryly amusing as a result —Oxford English Dictionary Etymology Irony comes from the Latin word ironia, which comes from Greek … Continue reading →

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Frequently misused words: literally

Posted on October 25, 2011 by

  literally: in a literal sense or manner; actually —Merriam-Webster Etymology Literally comes from the word literal. People began using it in the 1530s to mean in a literal sense.[i] Usage controversy What is happening to literally is a lot … Continue reading →

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Till vs. ‘Til

Posted on April 5, 2011 by

David Bowie had the song “Love You Till Tuesday,” but Michael Jackson had “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” Motörhead had an entire album named No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith, but Shirley Bassey just sang “Till.” Sometimes in songs, poetry, and … Continue reading →

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