David Tickner's Blog, page 46
July 14, 2020
Overheard in the college hallway...
One day I was walking down the hall behind two students who were talking about their teacher. One said to the other, "She's really tough, but in such a nice way!"
Education, Training
So, what’s the difference between education and training?
Educate, education
The verb ‘to educate’ has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root deuk (to lead) from which comes Latin educere (to lead out); i.e., from Latin ex (out) + ducere (to lead; ducere is also the root of the word duke). Latin educere is related to Latin educare (to bring up children, to rear, to educate). Educare comes to English in the mid-15th century as educaten and later, from the 1580s, as the verb ‘to educate’ (to provide schooling).
Note the difference between Latin educere and educare. Educere involved ‘leading’ a child toward adulthood through bodily nurture and support. Educare referred to the development of the mind. These words indicate that the development of body and mind were equally important. The origins of the word teacher suggest that the teacher leads by setting an example.
By the 1530s, the word education meant child-rearing, from Latin educationem (a rearing, a training). Education, as the systematic schooling and training for work, is from the 1610s.
Train, training
The word train comes from Latin trahere (to pull, to draw) and Old French trainer (to pull, drag, draw). In the14th century, the word train (a drawing out; the trailing part of a gown or cloak) came to English. By the late 15th century, a ‘train’ also meant a series or a continuous course of events. ‘Train of thought’ comes from the 1650s. The word ‘train’ as a locomotive and the cars pulled by it is from around 1820.
The verb ‘to train’ (to draw out and manipulate in order to bring to a desired form) is from the late 14th century. To train, meaning to discipline, teach, bring to a desired state by means of instruction, is from the 1540s. To train, meaning to fit oneself for a performance by regimen or exercise, is from the 1830s. The word training (discipline and instruction to develop powers or skills) is from the 1540s. Training, meaning exercising to improve bodily vigor, is from 1786.
In brief, training is the development of mind and/or character over time by repetitive drill and exercise.
Education and training
In sum, in their origins, education is about ‘leading’ and training is about ‘dragging or pulling’. However, from their origins, education and training have both been about the development of a person’s body, mind, and character.
Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Educate, education
The verb ‘to educate’ has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root deuk (to lead) from which comes Latin educere (to lead out); i.e., from Latin ex (out) + ducere (to lead; ducere is also the root of the word duke). Latin educere is related to Latin educare (to bring up children, to rear, to educate). Educare comes to English in the mid-15th century as educaten and later, from the 1580s, as the verb ‘to educate’ (to provide schooling).
Note the difference between Latin educere and educare. Educere involved ‘leading’ a child toward adulthood through bodily nurture and support. Educare referred to the development of the mind. These words indicate that the development of body and mind were equally important. The origins of the word teacher suggest that the teacher leads by setting an example.
By the 1530s, the word education meant child-rearing, from Latin educationem (a rearing, a training). Education, as the systematic schooling and training for work, is from the 1610s.
Train, training
The word train comes from Latin trahere (to pull, to draw) and Old French trainer (to pull, drag, draw). In the14th century, the word train (a drawing out; the trailing part of a gown or cloak) came to English. By the late 15th century, a ‘train’ also meant a series or a continuous course of events. ‘Train of thought’ comes from the 1650s. The word ‘train’ as a locomotive and the cars pulled by it is from around 1820.
The verb ‘to train’ (to draw out and manipulate in order to bring to a desired form) is from the late 14th century. To train, meaning to discipline, teach, bring to a desired state by means of instruction, is from the 1540s. To train, meaning to fit oneself for a performance by regimen or exercise, is from the 1830s. The word training (discipline and instruction to develop powers or skills) is from the 1540s. Training, meaning exercising to improve bodily vigor, is from 1786.
In brief, training is the development of mind and/or character over time by repetitive drill and exercise.
Education and training
In sum, in their origins, education is about ‘leading’ and training is about ‘dragging or pulling’. However, from their origins, education and training have both been about the development of a person’s body, mind, and character.
Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Caterer
The word caterer, a provider of food or provisions, comes to English in the mid-15th century. The verb ‘to cater’ (to provide food for) comes to English around 1600 from Middle English catour (buyer of provisions) from Old French achater (to buy), from Latin accaptare (ad = to + captare = to take, to hold, to strive), and Greek kaptein (to gulp down). The Proto-Indo-European root of the word caterer is kap (to grasp).
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
July 13, 2020
Caregiver
Care
Exploring the etymology of the word ‘care’ can be tricky. Care can be both something we have (‘the care of the house’, ‘the cares of the world’) and something we do (“I’ll take care of that”, “Take care”) or not do (“I don’t care!”).
These different uses and meanings of the word care are a result of the word having different origins—sort of like a person is the result of four grandparents!
One meaning of the word care comes from Latin cura and curare (to take care of), from the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root kweys (to heed). Latin curare is the source of the late 14th century English word cure (to restore to health or a sound state), from Old French curer. This medical use of ‘care’ suggests that to care is to make something better. To care is to cure.
On the other hand, would you be surprised to learn that the origins of the word care are also found in PIE gar (to cry out, to call, to scream)? From this PIE source came Proto-Germanic karo (lament, grief, care) the source of Old Saxon kara (sorrow), Old High German chara (wail, lament), Gothic kara (sorrow, trouble, care), and German Karfreitag (Good Friday). Proto-Germanic kara is also the source of Old English caru, cearu (sorrow, anxiety, grief; burdens of mind; serious mental attention; concern and anxiety caused by apprehension of evil or the weight of many burdens). The Old English word cearian (to be anxious or solicitous; to grieve, to feel concern or interest) emerges from these roots and comes to us as the word care.
It is almost as if ‘to care’ means to share in the suffering of the one being cared for. It would seem that the word care, as reflected in its origins, first of all reflects empathetic responses to pain and suffering. (Similarly, the origins of the word compassion are from ancient words meaning ‘to suffer with’ or ‘to co-suffer’). These words indicate not only what care is but what it is that is ‘cared for’.
Giver
The word giver is from the mid-14th century. It comes from Old English / West Saxon giefan (to give, bestow, deliver to another; to commit, devote, entrust) which is from Proto-Germanic geban and the PIE root ghabh (to give or receive). Similar old Germanic words include Old Frisian jeva, Middle Dutch gheven, Dutch geven, Old High German geban, and German geben.
Caregiver
The word caregiver, from 1974, means one who looks after the physical needs at home of the sick, aged, disabled, and so on. The word has, in many senses, the same meaning as caretaker. You would think that care ‘taker’ would be the opposite of care ‘giver’ but that is not the case.
Reference:
Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/cura
Exploring the etymology of the word ‘care’ can be tricky. Care can be both something we have (‘the care of the house’, ‘the cares of the world’) and something we do (“I’ll take care of that”, “Take care”) or not do (“I don’t care!”).
These different uses and meanings of the word care are a result of the word having different origins—sort of like a person is the result of four grandparents!
One meaning of the word care comes from Latin cura and curare (to take care of), from the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root kweys (to heed). Latin curare is the source of the late 14th century English word cure (to restore to health or a sound state), from Old French curer. This medical use of ‘care’ suggests that to care is to make something better. To care is to cure.
On the other hand, would you be surprised to learn that the origins of the word care are also found in PIE gar (to cry out, to call, to scream)? From this PIE source came Proto-Germanic karo (lament, grief, care) the source of Old Saxon kara (sorrow), Old High German chara (wail, lament), Gothic kara (sorrow, trouble, care), and German Karfreitag (Good Friday). Proto-Germanic kara is also the source of Old English caru, cearu (sorrow, anxiety, grief; burdens of mind; serious mental attention; concern and anxiety caused by apprehension of evil or the weight of many burdens). The Old English word cearian (to be anxious or solicitous; to grieve, to feel concern or interest) emerges from these roots and comes to us as the word care.
It is almost as if ‘to care’ means to share in the suffering of the one being cared for. It would seem that the word care, as reflected in its origins, first of all reflects empathetic responses to pain and suffering. (Similarly, the origins of the word compassion are from ancient words meaning ‘to suffer with’ or ‘to co-suffer’). These words indicate not only what care is but what it is that is ‘cared for’.
Giver
The word giver is from the mid-14th century. It comes from Old English / West Saxon giefan (to give, bestow, deliver to another; to commit, devote, entrust) which is from Proto-Germanic geban and the PIE root ghabh (to give or receive). Similar old Germanic words include Old Frisian jeva, Middle Dutch gheven, Dutch geven, Old High German geban, and German geben.
Caregiver
The word caregiver, from 1974, means one who looks after the physical needs at home of the sick, aged, disabled, and so on. The word has, in many senses, the same meaning as caretaker. You would think that care ‘taker’ would be the opposite of care ‘giver’ but that is not the case.
Reference:
Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/cura
Power
The word power has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root poti (powerful, lord). From this source comes Latin potis (powerful) and, later, Old French povoir (to be able) and Anglo-French pouair.
By 1300, the word power comes to English meaning ability; ability to act or do; strength, vigor, might (especially in battle); efficacy; control, mastery, lordship, dominion; legal power or authority; authorization; military force, an army. Quite a range of ways in which to be powerful.
Power, meaning one who has power, is from the late 14th century. Power, meaning specific ability or capacity, is from the early 15th century. Power, referring to a state or nation with regard to international authority or influence, is from 1726. Power, meaning the energy available for work, is from 1727. Power, meaning electrical power, is from 1896.
The verb ‘to empower’ comes from the 1650s although its modern use dates from 1986. One can em + power another just as one can also en + courage another.
At the risk of moving beyond etymology, power, like electrical power or wind power, is neither positive or negative, good or bad, in and of itself. We can talk of the power of love just as easily as the power of hate. Power can build and it can destroy. But let that be another conversation.
PIE poti is also the origin of words such as impotent, omnipotent, posse, possible, potent, and potential, and others.
Interestingly, in contrast to PIE poti (powerful lord) and other Latin-based words related power, the English word for lord comes from Old English hlafweard (one who guards the bread)!
Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
By 1300, the word power comes to English meaning ability; ability to act or do; strength, vigor, might (especially in battle); efficacy; control, mastery, lordship, dominion; legal power or authority; authorization; military force, an army. Quite a range of ways in which to be powerful.
Power, meaning one who has power, is from the late 14th century. Power, meaning specific ability or capacity, is from the early 15th century. Power, referring to a state or nation with regard to international authority or influence, is from 1726. Power, meaning the energy available for work, is from 1727. Power, meaning electrical power, is from 1896.
The verb ‘to empower’ comes from the 1650s although its modern use dates from 1986. One can em + power another just as one can also en + courage another.
At the risk of moving beyond etymology, power, like electrical power or wind power, is neither positive or negative, good or bad, in and of itself. We can talk of the power of love just as easily as the power of hate. Power can build and it can destroy. But let that be another conversation.
PIE poti is also the origin of words such as impotent, omnipotent, posse, possible, potent, and potential, and others.
Interestingly, in contrast to PIE poti (powerful lord) and other Latin-based words related power, the English word for lord comes from Old English hlafweard (one who guards the bread)!
Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Where does English come from?
Have a look at this four and a half minute TED presentation. It's a good summary of the roots of English in Latin, French, German, and Proto-Indo-European (PIE).
When we talk about 'English', we often think of it as a single language. But what do the dialects spoken in dozens of countries around the world have in common with each other, or with the writings of Chaucer? Claire Bowern traces the language from the present day back to its ancient roots, showing how English has evolved through generations of speakers. [Directed by Patrick Smith, narrated by Addison Anderson].
https://www.ted.com/talks/claire_bowern_where_did_english_come_from#t-278572
When we talk about 'English', we often think of it as a single language. But what do the dialects spoken in dozens of countries around the world have in common with each other, or with the writings of Chaucer? Claire Bowern traces the language from the present day back to its ancient roots, showing how English has evolved through generations of speakers. [Directed by Patrick Smith, narrated by Addison Anderson].
https://www.ted.com/talks/claire_bowern_where_did_english_come_from#t-278572
July 12, 2020
Demonstrate, Demonstration
The word demonstrate has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root men- (to think) and Latin mens (mind), memini (I remember, I am mindful of), and monere (to admonish, to warn, to advise). From monere comes Latin monstrum (a divine omen, portent, sign) and monstrare (to point out, to show), words which end up in English in the early 14th century as the word monster. But I digress.
When the Latin prefix de- (entirely) is added to monstrare, the word demonstrare (to prove, to establish, to point out, to indicate) is formed. By the 14th century, the English word demonstration referred to a proof that something was true. In the 1570s, ‘to demonstrate’ meant to point to a truth by argument or deduction. By the 1680s, a ‘demonstration’ was a method of teaching.
A demonstration, meaning a public show of feeling, often a mass meeting and procession, is from 1839. The word demonstrator, a participant in a demonstration, is from 1870.
When the Latin prefix de- (entirely) is added to monstrare, the word demonstrare (to prove, to establish, to point out, to indicate) is formed. By the 14th century, the English word demonstration referred to a proof that something was true. In the 1570s, ‘to demonstrate’ meant to point to a truth by argument or deduction. By the 1680s, a ‘demonstration’ was a method of teaching.
A demonstration, meaning a public show of feeling, often a mass meeting and procession, is from 1839. The word demonstrator, a participant in a demonstration, is from 1870.
Butcher
The word butcher, one who slaughters animals for market, came to English around 1300 and has its origins in the word buck—a male deer and, earlier, a male goat. The Old English word bucca comes from Proto-Germanic bukkon (the source of Old Saxon buck, Middle Dutch boc, Dutch bok, Old High German boc, German Bock, Old Norse bokkr, Frankish bukk, and Celtic bukkos—he-goat), all from the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root bhugo.
From these sources comes Old French bochier (butcher, executioner)—literally ‘a slaughterer of goats’, from Old French bouc (male goat) and Frankish bukk. The Old English word for butcher is flaescmangere (fleshmonger).
The word butchery (the trade of a butcher, a butcher shop) is from the mid-15th century. The verb ‘to butcher’ (to kill or slaughter animals for food or market) is from the 1560s. Butcher, meaning to bungle or botch or spoil by bad work is from the 1640s. Butcher’s knife is from 1714 and butcher-knife is from 1822.
Butch, meaning a ‘tough youth’ is from 1902 (in particular, George ‘Butch’ Cassidy of movie fame). Butch, in the sense of appearing notably or deliberately or aggressively masculine (sometimes used to describe a particular expression of lesbianism), is from the 1940s. The adjective ‘butch’ is first seen in 1941; e.g., a butch haircut.
From these sources comes Old French bochier (butcher, executioner)—literally ‘a slaughterer of goats’, from Old French bouc (male goat) and Frankish bukk. The Old English word for butcher is flaescmangere (fleshmonger).
The word butchery (the trade of a butcher, a butcher shop) is from the mid-15th century. The verb ‘to butcher’ (to kill or slaughter animals for food or market) is from the 1560s. Butcher, meaning to bungle or botch or spoil by bad work is from the 1640s. Butcher’s knife is from 1714 and butcher-knife is from 1822.
Butch, meaning a ‘tough youth’ is from 1902 (in particular, George ‘Butch’ Cassidy of movie fame). Butch, in the sense of appearing notably or deliberately or aggressively masculine (sometimes used to describe a particular expression of lesbianism), is from the 1940s. The adjective ‘butch’ is first seen in 1941; e.g., a butch haircut.
July 11, 2020
Blacksmith
Black
What can we say about the word black? the color black? What is the connection between the color black and the word dark? What might the etymology of the word black tell us?
To consider such questions, look at the difference between Old English blac (bright, shining) and Old English bloec (meaning absolutely dark but not black). These words, seemingly opposite in meaning, come from the same Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root bhel (to shine, to flash, to burn). From this PIE root emerge two branches—one related to light, one related to dark.
On the one hand, the Online Etymological Dictionary states, “The same root [PIE bhel] produced the Old English [adjective] blac (bright, shining, glittering, pale; the connecting notions being perhaps, ‘fire’ (bright) and ‘burned’ (dark), or perhaps the absence of color.”
On the other hand, PIE bhel is also the root of Proto-Germanic blakaz (burned) which is the source of Old Norse blakkr (dark), Old High German (OHG) blah (black), Swedish black (ink), Dutch blaken (to burn), and Old English bloec (absolutely dark, absorbing all light).
So where does the English word black come from? Originally, the English word black has its origins in Old High German which has two words for black: swartz (dull black) and blach (luminous black), both from PIE bhel (shining). Again, we see the theme of light and dark, this time in relation to the word black. At first, the Old English word for black was sweart from OHG swartz. However, Old English sweart evolved to become the word swarthy (a dark color or complexion).
And, as sweart became swarthy, the Old English word bloec, originally meaning dark and absorbing all light, evolved to become the word for the color black. Remember that bloec comes from Proto-Germanic words rooted in PIE bhel (to shine, to flash to burn). Yet again we see the theme of light and dark in relation to black.
In brief, in terms of light (blac) and dark (bloec), it would seem that you can’t talk about black without talking of both light and dark.
Smith
The word smith comes from the PIE root smi (to cut, to work with a sharp instrument; from which comes Greek smile meaning knife or chisel). From this root comes Proto-Germanic smithaz (skilled worker), a word which is the source of Old Saxon smith, Old Norse smior, Danish smed, Old Frisian smith, Old High German smid, and German Schmied. The Old English word smid meant a blacksmith, armorer, or one who works in metal (jewelers were also considered blacksmiths as they also worked in metal).
More generally, Old English smid was also used to describe any handicrafts person or practitioner of skilled manual arts. The word Smith has been used as a surname at least since 975 CE.
Blacksmith
The word blacksmith comes to English in the late 15th century (in the mid-13th century ‘Blacksmith’ was a surname) meaning a smith who works in iron. Blacksmiths worked with heated heavy metals as opposed to those who beat gold, tin, or pewter (the material of a whitesmith).
What can we say about the word black? the color black? What is the connection between the color black and the word dark? What might the etymology of the word black tell us?
To consider such questions, look at the difference between Old English blac (bright, shining) and Old English bloec (meaning absolutely dark but not black). These words, seemingly opposite in meaning, come from the same Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root bhel (to shine, to flash, to burn). From this PIE root emerge two branches—one related to light, one related to dark.
On the one hand, the Online Etymological Dictionary states, “The same root [PIE bhel] produced the Old English [adjective] blac (bright, shining, glittering, pale; the connecting notions being perhaps, ‘fire’ (bright) and ‘burned’ (dark), or perhaps the absence of color.”
On the other hand, PIE bhel is also the root of Proto-Germanic blakaz (burned) which is the source of Old Norse blakkr (dark), Old High German (OHG) blah (black), Swedish black (ink), Dutch blaken (to burn), and Old English bloec (absolutely dark, absorbing all light).
So where does the English word black come from? Originally, the English word black has its origins in Old High German which has two words for black: swartz (dull black) and blach (luminous black), both from PIE bhel (shining). Again, we see the theme of light and dark, this time in relation to the word black. At first, the Old English word for black was sweart from OHG swartz. However, Old English sweart evolved to become the word swarthy (a dark color or complexion).
And, as sweart became swarthy, the Old English word bloec, originally meaning dark and absorbing all light, evolved to become the word for the color black. Remember that bloec comes from Proto-Germanic words rooted in PIE bhel (to shine, to flash to burn). Yet again we see the theme of light and dark in relation to black.
In brief, in terms of light (blac) and dark (bloec), it would seem that you can’t talk about black without talking of both light and dark.
Smith
The word smith comes from the PIE root smi (to cut, to work with a sharp instrument; from which comes Greek smile meaning knife or chisel). From this root comes Proto-Germanic smithaz (skilled worker), a word which is the source of Old Saxon smith, Old Norse smior, Danish smed, Old Frisian smith, Old High German smid, and German Schmied. The Old English word smid meant a blacksmith, armorer, or one who works in metal (jewelers were also considered blacksmiths as they also worked in metal).
More generally, Old English smid was also used to describe any handicrafts person or practitioner of skilled manual arts. The word Smith has been used as a surname at least since 975 CE.
Blacksmith
The word blacksmith comes to English in the late 15th century (in the mid-13th century ‘Blacksmith’ was a surname) meaning a smith who works in iron. Blacksmiths worked with heated heavy metals as opposed to those who beat gold, tin, or pewter (the material of a whitesmith).
Woke
Woke, used as a political term, is of African-American origin and is derived from the African-American Vernacular English expression ‘stay woke’, referring to a continuing awareness of social justice and racial issues. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary labels ‘woke’ as “chiefly US slang” and defines it as being aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice).
The words wake and woke have their origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root weg (to be strong, to be lively).
The use of ‘woke’ as a political term first appears in the US during the 1860 presidential election in support of Abraham Lincoln; in particular, as part of the Wide Awakes movement opposing the spread of slavery.
The term ‘woke’ has been used in the music and theatre of popular culture for almost one hundred years; for example, in his 1938 song, Scottsboro Boys, Lead Belly advises people “to be a little careful when they go along through there, stay woke, keep their eyes open.” More recently, the term ‘woke’ was popularized in the album New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) (2008) by soul singer Erykah Badu.
By the late 2010s, ‘woke’ is being used as a more generic term “broadly associated with left-wing politics, socially liberal causes, feminism, LGBTQ activism and [other] cultural issues…its widespread use since 2014 is a result of the Black Lives Matter movement” (Wikipedia).
Online Etymological Dictionary: https://www.etymonline.com/
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/woke
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke
The words wake and woke have their origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root weg (to be strong, to be lively).
The use of ‘woke’ as a political term first appears in the US during the 1860 presidential election in support of Abraham Lincoln; in particular, as part of the Wide Awakes movement opposing the spread of slavery.
The term ‘woke’ has been used in the music and theatre of popular culture for almost one hundred years; for example, in his 1938 song, Scottsboro Boys, Lead Belly advises people “to be a little careful when they go along through there, stay woke, keep their eyes open.” More recently, the term ‘woke’ was popularized in the album New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) (2008) by soul singer Erykah Badu.
By the late 2010s, ‘woke’ is being used as a more generic term “broadly associated with left-wing politics, socially liberal causes, feminism, LGBTQ activism and [other] cultural issues…its widespread use since 2014 is a result of the Black Lives Matter movement” (Wikipedia).
Online Etymological Dictionary: https://www.etymonline.com/
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/woke
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke
