The painful condition called shingles takes its name from Latin cingulum, meaning belt, because the inflammation often appears as a belt-like band around the torso. The Latin root of cingulum, cingere, meaning to gird, is also the source of cinch, a...
Can ordinary also mean “crude” or “crass”? This usage was more common in previous generations, but it is still acceptable. It’s also the source of ornery, meaning “combative” or “crotchety.” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
What’s the source of the phrase “No way, Jose”? And who in the world is Jose? Grant says the expression doesn’t show up in print until 1973, contrary to the oft-repeated story that it appeared in The Village Voice during the 1960s. The phrase “No...
Crazy crossword clues, Round 3: Cover of the Bible? (2 words). Source of relief? (7 letters). This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Two Crazy Crossword Clues” Martha, here are a couple more crossword clues from crosswordese.com. Okay...
Grant reports some etymological news: A recent article in the journal American Speech suggests a new source for the term that means “drunk,” blotto. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Blotto” In a recent issue of the Academic Journal...
One definition of a shivaree is “a compliment extended to every married couple made up of beating tin pans, blowing horns, ringing cowbells, playing horse fiddles, caterwauling, and in fine, the use of every disagreeable sound to make the night...
