Tag Archives: etymology

Why do you boot a computer?

Posted 124 days ago by Stephen Whiteley

Every wondered why it is that you ‘boot’ a computer? Especially considering that the only other meaning of ‘boot’ as a verb is ‘give something a good kick’? The answer lies in a very nice bit of contemporary etymology: the …

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The origins of freedom

Posted 158 days ago by Stephen Whiteley

Today, I wanted to share an article from the archive of London Review of Books about the roots and (mis)usage of the word freedom. It’s a bit silly, in parts, but it makes some good points. Enjoy! “The first recorded …

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More unexpected etymologies…

Posted 214 days ago by Stephen Whiteley

Today, some unexpected etymologies. All of the following words have become so deeply embedded in English that I, for one, would never have imagined they were borrowings from sundry other languages. Slogan – from the Celtic slaugh and gheun, battle …

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The origin of ‘to break the ice’

Posted 233 days ago by Stephen Whiteley

The English expression ‘to break the ice’ has found its way into various other languages (romper el hielo, in Spanish for example). It is a useful, if over-used, concept, which refers to any strategy to overcome that initial awkwardness at …

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Timely – adverb or adjective?

Posted 257 days ago by Stephen Whiteley

“Their work is timely, accurate and cost efficient.” Does there seem to be something wrong with this sentence? There did to me, too, namely the use of the word timely. Now, to me timely suggests that something is done at …

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