Author Archives: Marc

I Say Draft, You Say Draught, Or, The Oddest English Spellings (Part 13)

Anatoly analyzes some interesting differences in spelling and pronunciation between American and British English. Continue reading

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Leaps of Faith: Or Word Myths

Marc, our intern, learns a personal lesson from Word Myths. Continue reading

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The Oxford Etymologist Looks at Race, Class and Sex (but not Gender), or, Beating a Willing Horse

Anatoly investigates the origin of the word ‘race.’ Continue reading

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Peace and War (Two Gifts from France)

Anatoly muses on the origins of the words ‘peace’ and ‘war.’ Continue reading

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On Spoons, Forks, and Knives

Anatoly deliberates the origins of the words ‘spoon,’ ‘fork,’ and ‘knife.’ Continue reading

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No Subject is Too Petty for an Etymologist, Or, Pets from North to South

Anatoly explores the origins of the word ‘pet.’ Continue reading

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Monthly Gleanings: March 2009

Anatoly answers questions about word origins. Continue reading

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Beating About the Gooseberry Bush

Anatoly explores the origins of the word ‘gooseberry,’ and its related phrases. Continue reading

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Everything is Tiptop

Anatoly explores possible origins of the word ‘tip,’ in all of its senses. Continue reading

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Why Don’t We Know the Origin of the Word Ghetto?

Anatoly reviews possible origins of the word ‘ghetto.’ Continue reading

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