David Tickner's Blog, page 6
August 20, 2024
Brouhaha
Have you ever been involved in a brouhaha, an event defined by Merriam-Webster as a hubbub or an uproar?
The word brouhaha came to English in 1890 from 15th century French brouhaha, a word from the medieval theater of that time meaning “the cry of the devil disguised as clergy” (Online Etymological Dictionary).
Before that time, the origins of brouhaha are unknown; however, some sources suggest that it comes from the Classical Hebrew phrase barukh habba (“blessed be the one who comes”) as in Psalm 118.26.
Merriam-Webster states, “Although brouhaha [came to English] directly from French, etymologists have connected the French derivation to that frequently recited Hebrew phrase, distorted to something like brouhaha by worshippers whose knowledge of Hebrew was limited. The word eventually came to be used in a sense similar to "applause" and in the sense of "a noisy confusion of sound"—the latter being the sense that was later extended in English to refer to any tumultuous and confused situation.”
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
The word brouhaha came to English in 1890 from 15th century French brouhaha, a word from the medieval theater of that time meaning “the cry of the devil disguised as clergy” (Online Etymological Dictionary).
Before that time, the origins of brouhaha are unknown; however, some sources suggest that it comes from the Classical Hebrew phrase barukh habba (“blessed be the one who comes”) as in Psalm 118.26.
Merriam-Webster states, “Although brouhaha [came to English] directly from French, etymologists have connected the French derivation to that frequently recited Hebrew phrase, distorted to something like brouhaha by worshippers whose knowledge of Hebrew was limited. The word eventually came to be used in a sense similar to "applause" and in the sense of "a noisy confusion of sound"—the latter being the sense that was later extended in English to refer to any tumultuous and confused situation.”
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
August 17, 2024
Waffle
The noun waffle, a kind of batter-cake baked crisp in irons and served hot, came to English in 1744 from Dutch wafel and Middle Low German wafel. The term ‘waffle iron’ is from 1794. The word waffle has its origins in Proto-Germanic wabila (web, honeycomb) and the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root (h)eubh (to weave).
PIE (h)eubh is also the root of Old English wefan (to weave; to move quickly—as in ‘to weave in and out of traffic).
The origins of the verb ‘to waffle’ have no relation to the noun waffle. The verb ‘to waffle’ comes from words meaning to bark like a puppy (1610); e.g., words like “waff waff” or “woof woof”. The verb ‘to waffle’ from the 1690s meant to yelp or to bark or, by around 1700, to talk foolishly.
By the early 19th century ‘to waffle’ meant to vacillate or equivocate.
In brief, I don’t think that there is any need to waffle over the fact that waffles are usually part of a really good breakfast or brunch.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
PIE (h)eubh is also the root of Old English wefan (to weave; to move quickly—as in ‘to weave in and out of traffic).
The origins of the verb ‘to waffle’ have no relation to the noun waffle. The verb ‘to waffle’ comes from words meaning to bark like a puppy (1610); e.g., words like “waff waff” or “woof woof”. The verb ‘to waffle’ from the 1690s meant to yelp or to bark or, by around 1700, to talk foolishly.
By the early 19th century ‘to waffle’ meant to vacillate or equivocate.
In brief, I don’t think that there is any need to waffle over the fact that waffles are usually part of a really good breakfast or brunch.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
August 12, 2024
Snug, Snuggle
The adjective snug, from the 1590s, referred to a ship that was seaworthy, that was compact and trim, especially a ship that was protected from the weather.
The origins of snug are uncertain—perhaps from Old Norse snoggr (short-haired) or Old Danish snog (neat, tidy). The word snug may have its origins in Proto-Indo-European (PIE) kes-(1) (to scratch).
In a pub, a ‘snug’ is a small, cozy, intimate or private enclosed room or alcove away from hustle and bustle of the main area for eating and drinking. Snugs first appeared in pubs in the late 19th century.
Snug, meaning in a state of ease or comfort, is from the 1620s. The phrase “snug as a bug in a rug” is from 1769. Snug, meaning to fit closely, is first seen in 1838.
The verb ‘to snuggle’ (to move this way and that to something or someone, perhaps for warmth or affection) is from the 1680s. Snuggle, meaning to move so as to lie close to, is from the 1580s.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
David’s Wordshop Blog: http://www.davidtickner.ca/blog
www.davidtickner.ca
The origins of snug are uncertain—perhaps from Old Norse snoggr (short-haired) or Old Danish snog (neat, tidy). The word snug may have its origins in Proto-Indo-European (PIE) kes-(1) (to scratch).
In a pub, a ‘snug’ is a small, cozy, intimate or private enclosed room or alcove away from hustle and bustle of the main area for eating and drinking. Snugs first appeared in pubs in the late 19th century.
Snug, meaning in a state of ease or comfort, is from the 1620s. The phrase “snug as a bug in a rug” is from 1769. Snug, meaning to fit closely, is first seen in 1838.
The verb ‘to snuggle’ (to move this way and that to something or someone, perhaps for warmth or affection) is from the 1680s. Snuggle, meaning to move so as to lie close to, is from the 1580s.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
David’s Wordshop Blog: http://www.davidtickner.ca/blog
www.davidtickner.ca
August 8, 2024
Poet, Poetry, Poem
The word poet has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root kwei (to pile up, build, make) and PIE kwoiwo (making).
These PIE terms are the source of Greek poein (to make, create, compose) and poetes (maker, author, poet) as well as Latin poeta (poet).
The early 14th century English word poet meant an author of metrical compositions; one skilled in the art making poetry; a poet, a singer. At that time, the word poet also referred to all writers or composers of literature. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the word ‘maker’ was a synonym for poet.
Around 1200, the word Poet was a surname.
The 14th century word poetrie referred to poetry, composition in verse; a poem; ancient literature; poetical works, fables, or tales. The word poetry has its origins in 13th century Old French poetrie and 7th century Latin poetria.
A few verbs have been tried to describe the action of writing poetry; e.g., poetize (from 1580s), poetrize (from around 1600), and poeticize (from 1804) but, as you may have noticed, none of these words have stuck.
The noun poem, from the 1540s, refers to a written composition in metrical form, a composition arranged in verses or measures. By the 1580s, poem also referred to a written composition, whether in verse or not, that was characterized by imaginative beauty in thought or language. Poem has its origins in Latin and Greek poema (composition in verse, poetry; a thing made or created).
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
These PIE terms are the source of Greek poein (to make, create, compose) and poetes (maker, author, poet) as well as Latin poeta (poet).
The early 14th century English word poet meant an author of metrical compositions; one skilled in the art making poetry; a poet, a singer. At that time, the word poet also referred to all writers or composers of literature. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the word ‘maker’ was a synonym for poet.
Around 1200, the word Poet was a surname.
The 14th century word poetrie referred to poetry, composition in verse; a poem; ancient literature; poetical works, fables, or tales. The word poetry has its origins in 13th century Old French poetrie and 7th century Latin poetria.
A few verbs have been tried to describe the action of writing poetry; e.g., poetize (from 1580s), poetrize (from around 1600), and poeticize (from 1804) but, as you may have noticed, none of these words have stuck.
The noun poem, from the 1540s, refers to a written composition in metrical form, a composition arranged in verses or measures. By the 1580s, poem also referred to a written composition, whether in verse or not, that was characterized by imaginative beauty in thought or language. Poem has its origins in Latin and Greek poema (composition in verse, poetry; a thing made or created).
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Poet, poetry, poem
The word poet has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root kwei (to pile up, build, make) and PIE kwoiwo (making).
These PIE terms are the source of Greek poein (to make, create, compose) and poetes (maker, author, poet) as well as Latin poeta (poet).
The early 14th century English word poet meant an author of metrical compositions; one skilled in the art making poetry; a poet, a singer. At that time, the word poet also referred to all writers or composers of literature. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the word ‘maker’ was a synonym for poet.
Around 1200, the word Poet was a surname.
The 14th century word poetrie referred to poetry, composition in verse; a poem; ancient literature; poetical works, fables, or tales. The word poetry has its origins in 13th century Old French poetrie and 7th century Latin poetria.
A few verbs have been tried to describe the action of writing poetry; e.g., poetize (from 1580s), poetrize (from around 1600), and poeticize (from 1804) but, as you may have noticed, none of these words have stuck.
The noun poem, from the 1540s, refers to a written composition in metrical form, a composition arranged in verses or measures. By the 1580s, poem also referred to a written composition, whether in verse or not, that was characterized by imaginative beauty in thought or language. Poem has its origins in Latin and Greek poema (composition in verse, poetry; a thing made or created).
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
These PIE terms are the source of Greek poein (to make, create, compose) and poetes (maker, author, poet) as well as Latin poeta (poet).
The early 14th century English word poet meant an author of metrical compositions; one skilled in the art making poetry; a poet, a singer. At that time, the word poet also referred to all writers or composers of literature. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the word ‘maker’ was a synonym for poet.
Around 1200, the word Poet was a surname.
The 14th century word poetrie referred to poetry, composition in verse; a poem; ancient literature; poetical works, fables, or tales. The word poetry has its origins in 13th century Old French poetrie and 7th century Latin poetria.
A few verbs have been tried to describe the action of writing poetry; e.g., poetize (from 1580s), poetrize (from around 1600), and poeticize (from 1804) but, as you may have noticed, none of these words have stuck.
The noun poem, from the 1540s, refers to a written composition in metrical form, a composition arranged in verses or measures. By the 1580s, poem also referred to a written composition, whether in verse or not, that was characterized by imaginative beauty in thought or language. Poem has its origins in Latin and Greek poema (composition in verse, poetry; a thing made or created).
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
July 29, 2024
Decimate
What comes to mind when you hear the words decimate and decimation? What feelings arise? Why does decimate conjure images of complete destruction?
Decimate is a word with a power far beyond its relatively innocuous origins in Proto-Indo-European (PIE) dekm and Latin decem, both meaning ten. Latin decem is the origin of decimal and decade. In the Roman calendar, in which the year began in March, December was the tenth month.
However, when we hear the words decimate or decimation, we sense that something awful has happened. We fear the worst. The word decimate has aroused strong feelings and emotions for 2,000 or more years.
So, why does the word decimate have such connotations of death and destruction?
During ancient times, in the legions of the Roman army, the punishment for extreme cases of cowardice, desertion, insubordination, or mutiny was known as decimatus; that is, the killing of every tenth man in a squad or battalion. These men would be chosen by lots and then stoned, stabbed, or beaten to death by their comrades.
Imagine for a moment being ordered to kill one of your comrades or friends.
Decimation is not just physical violence. It is emotional violence. The images and feelings associated with decimation carry far more emotion than the original word which simply meant ‘one in ten’. No wonder that the strong feelings associated with the word decimatus continue to haunt us. When we hear the word decimation, we can’t help but think of massive destruction or even annihilation.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Decimate is a word with a power far beyond its relatively innocuous origins in Proto-Indo-European (PIE) dekm and Latin decem, both meaning ten. Latin decem is the origin of decimal and decade. In the Roman calendar, in which the year began in March, December was the tenth month.
However, when we hear the words decimate or decimation, we sense that something awful has happened. We fear the worst. The word decimate has aroused strong feelings and emotions for 2,000 or more years.
So, why does the word decimate have such connotations of death and destruction?
During ancient times, in the legions of the Roman army, the punishment for extreme cases of cowardice, desertion, insubordination, or mutiny was known as decimatus; that is, the killing of every tenth man in a squad or battalion. These men would be chosen by lots and then stoned, stabbed, or beaten to death by their comrades.
Imagine for a moment being ordered to kill one of your comrades or friends.
Decimation is not just physical violence. It is emotional violence. The images and feelings associated with decimation carry far more emotion than the original word which simply meant ‘one in ten’. No wonder that the strong feelings associated with the word decimatus continue to haunt us. When we hear the word decimation, we can’t help but think of massive destruction or even annihilation.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Mundane
What comes to mind when you hear the word mundane? Are you filled with awe as you contemplate the wonders of the universe? Or do you think of an everydayness that may be dull or even boring?!
The word mundane has its origins in Latin mundus (universe, world) and Latin mundanus (belonging to the world, not to the church; a citizen of the world, cosmopolitan). Latin mundus is a translation of Greek cosmos (the ordered universe).
By the mid-15th century, the word mondeine (mundane) meaning of this world, worldly, terrestrial, earthly, secular comes to English from Latin mundanus.
The related Latin phrase anima mundi (soul of the world), from the 1670s, refers to what the ancients believed to be a spiritual essence, distinct from matter, which was diffused throughout the universe organizing and acting on the whole of it.
The English use of the adjective mundane to describe something as dull or uninteresting is from the 1850s.
How did a word which originally described the forces that gave form and order to the universe come to suggest a sense of world-weariness?
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
The word mundane has its origins in Latin mundus (universe, world) and Latin mundanus (belonging to the world, not to the church; a citizen of the world, cosmopolitan). Latin mundus is a translation of Greek cosmos (the ordered universe).
By the mid-15th century, the word mondeine (mundane) meaning of this world, worldly, terrestrial, earthly, secular comes to English from Latin mundanus.
The related Latin phrase anima mundi (soul of the world), from the 1670s, refers to what the ancients believed to be a spiritual essence, distinct from matter, which was diffused throughout the universe organizing and acting on the whole of it.
The English use of the adjective mundane to describe something as dull or uninteresting is from the 1850s.
How did a word which originally described the forces that gave form and order to the universe come to suggest a sense of world-weariness?
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
July 16, 2024
Equanimity
Equanimity is a lovely word.
Equanimity, meaning fairness, impartiality, came to English around 1600 from French quanimité, Latin aequanimatatem (evenness of mind, calmness; good will, kindness), and Latin aequanimus (mild, kind; even-minded) from aequus (even, level) + animus (mind, spirit). Latin aequus is also the source of the word equal.
Latin animus embodies several meanings: rational soul, mind, life, mental powers, intelligence, consciousness, sensibility; courage, desire. Animus is related to Latin anima (living being, soul, mind, disposition, passion, courage, anger, spirit, feeling) from the Proto-Indo-European root ane (to breathe).
Equanimity meaning evenness of temper is from the 1610s. The English word animus, meaning temper in a hostile sense, is from 1820.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Equanimity, meaning fairness, impartiality, came to English around 1600 from French quanimité, Latin aequanimatatem (evenness of mind, calmness; good will, kindness), and Latin aequanimus (mild, kind; even-minded) from aequus (even, level) + animus (mind, spirit). Latin aequus is also the source of the word equal.
Latin animus embodies several meanings: rational soul, mind, life, mental powers, intelligence, consciousness, sensibility; courage, desire. Animus is related to Latin anima (living being, soul, mind, disposition, passion, courage, anger, spirit, feeling) from the Proto-Indo-European root ane (to breathe).
Equanimity meaning evenness of temper is from the 1610s. The English word animus, meaning temper in a hostile sense, is from 1820.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Effervesence, Effervesent
Do you know anyone who could be described as effervescent?
The word has its origins in Proto-Indo-European bhreu, a term meaning to boil, bubble, effervesce, burn. Other words derivatived from bhreu are related to cooking and brewing.
The word effervescence, from the 1650s, meaning the action of boiling up, comes from 1640s French and from Latin effervescentem, effervescere to boil up, boil over. Effervescere = ex (out of) + fervescere (begin to boil), fervere (to be hot, boil).
The verb ‘to effervesce’ (to boil up, boil over) is from 1702. Effervescence in the sense of liveliness is from 1748. Effervescent in the sense of exuberant is from 1833.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
The word has its origins in Proto-Indo-European bhreu, a term meaning to boil, bubble, effervesce, burn. Other words derivatived from bhreu are related to cooking and brewing.
The word effervescence, from the 1650s, meaning the action of boiling up, comes from 1640s French and from Latin effervescentem, effervescere to boil up, boil over. Effervescere = ex (out of) + fervescere (begin to boil), fervere (to be hot, boil).
The verb ‘to effervesce’ (to boil up, boil over) is from 1702. Effervescence in the sense of liveliness is from 1748. Effervescent in the sense of exuberant is from 1833.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Elite
The word elite has its origins in words meaning to choose and choice.
The word elite, from 1823, meaning a choice or a selected body or the best part, is from French élite (selection, choice) and Old French eslite (to pick out, to choose). These words have their origin in Latin eligere (to pick out, to select, to choose), also the origin of the word election.
In the late 14th century, the word elite meant a ‘chosen person’; however, this meaning disappeared in the mid-15th century.
Elite as an adjective is from 1852. Elite as a typeface is from 1920.
To be elite is not automatic. To be elite means to be chosen. For example, an elite sports player is someone selected because of their skills to be part of a top-ranked team. Some military units are considered to be elite because of their special skills. Someone who is elite is the cream of the crop, so to speak.
The word elite is not to be confused with the word elitist.
The adjective elitist, from 1950, means advocating or preferring rule or social domination by an elite element in a system or society. Elitist as a noun is from 1961.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
The word elite, from 1823, meaning a choice or a selected body or the best part, is from French élite (selection, choice) and Old French eslite (to pick out, to choose). These words have their origin in Latin eligere (to pick out, to select, to choose), also the origin of the word election.
In the late 14th century, the word elite meant a ‘chosen person’; however, this meaning disappeared in the mid-15th century.
Elite as an adjective is from 1852. Elite as a typeface is from 1920.
To be elite is not automatic. To be elite means to be chosen. For example, an elite sports player is someone selected because of their skills to be part of a top-ranked team. Some military units are considered to be elite because of their special skills. Someone who is elite is the cream of the crop, so to speak.
The word elite is not to be confused with the word elitist.
The adjective elitist, from 1950, means advocating or preferring rule or social domination by an elite element in a system or society. Elitist as a noun is from 1961.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
