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Word and Phrase Origins

Includes questions related to the origins and etymology of English words and phrases.

500 Questions

What is the origin of the phrase the last straw?

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Asked by Wiki User

The phrase "the last straw" originates from the idiom "the straw that broke the camel's back," which refers to a seemingly minor or routine occurrence that triggers a disproportionate reaction due to the accumulation of previous stress. Just as a camel can carry a heavy load until one final straw causes it to collapse, this phrase describes a situation where a small event leads to a significant outcome.

Where does the word senile originate?

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Asked by Wiki User

The word "senile" originates from the Latin word "senilis," which means "pertaining to old age." It is used to describe age-related mental and physical decline.

What is the setting of thank you m'am?

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Asked by Wiki User

The setting of "Thank You Ma'am" is an urban neighborhood late at night. The story takes place on a dark street where a young boy attempts to snatch a woman's purse but is caught and taken to her home instead.

What does the phrase a gone by age mean?

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Asked by Wiki User

The phrase "a gone by age" typically refers to a time or era in the past that has already occurred and is no longer present. It signifies a period that has passed and is no longer relevant to the current time or situation.

Where does the word island come from?

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Asked by Wiki User

The word "island" comes from the Old English word "īegland," which literally means "island land." The term evolved over time into "iland" and eventually "island" in Modern English.

How can you use English to remember French words?

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Asked by Wiki User

You can create associations or mnemonic devices in English that help you remember the meaning of French words. For example, you can associate the French word "chapeau" with the English phrase "chap, oh!" to remember that "chapeau" means hat in French. Additionally, practicing with flashcards that have the French word on one side and the English translation on the other can also be helpful.

What is the origin of the word 'retire'?

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Asked by Wiki User

The word 'retire' comes from the Middle French word 'retirer', meaning 'to withdraw'. It entered the English language in the 15th century with similar meaning, referring to moving back or withdrawing from a place or situation.

What do you call a person who develops or invents new words?

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Asked by Wiki User

A person who develops or invents new words is called a "neologist" or a "lexicographer." They may also be referred to as a "word inventor" or a "lexiphanic."

How do you say 'good bye' in Polish?

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Asked by Wiki User

Do widzeniaThis is pronounced like "doe veed zehn ya."

Or you could say "Do zobaczenia" which is more informal.

This is pronounced like doe zobchenya.

Where did the word relationship originate?

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Asked by Wiki User

The word "relationship" originated from the Latin word "relatio," which means "to carry back" or "to bring back." It evolved in meaning over time to refer to the way in which two or more people or things are connected or the way they relate to each other.

What is the purpose of a name?

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Asked by Wiki User

A name is used to identify and distinguish individuals, objects, or concepts from one another. It helps facilitate communication and organization within society. Names can also carry cultural or personal significance.

How do you say see you later in the slang of the 1920's?

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Asked by Wiki User

To say "see you later" in 1920's slang, you could use phrases like "Catch you on the flip side" or "Catch you on the bounce."

Who coined the lost generation?

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Asked by Wiki User

Gertrude Stein is said to have used it first.

The term is attributed to Gertrude Stein, an American writer living in France, who associated with many well known artists and writers in the period following WWI through her death in 1946.

How do you say 'thank you' in sign language?

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Asked by Wiki User

In American Sign Language (ASL), you can sign 'thank you' by forming the letter 'Y' with your dominant hand and bringing it towards your chin. Another common way to sign 'thank you' is by extending your dominant hand palm-up in front of you and bringing it towards your chin.

What does in lue mean?

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Asked by Wiki User

The correct phrase is "in lieu," which means "instead of" or "in place of." It is commonly used to indicate that one thing is being used as a substitute for another.

How do you use vivid in a sentence?

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Asked by Wiki User

The sunset painted the sky with vivid shades of pink and orange.

What is the restrictive label for picnic?

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Asked by Wiki User

The restrictive label for picnic would be "consumption break" or "in-transit meal."

Are there other terms besides fortnight and sen night?

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Asked by Wiki User

Yes, another term for a two-week period is "biweekly." Additionally, some people may use the phrase "every two weeks" to refer to a fortnight or sen night.

Is or a connective?

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Asked by Wiki User

Yes, "or" is a conjunction that is used to connect alternatives or options in a sentence, indicating a choice between two or more possibilities.

Where did the idiom no spring chicken originate?

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Asked by Smiles12

The idiom "no spring chicken" originated in the early 18th century and refers to someone who is no longer young or youthful. It alludes to chickens being considered most desirable as food when they are young and tender in the spring.

What is growthmanship?

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Asked by Wiki User

Growthmanship refers to the skill or art of effectively managing and promoting growth within a business or organization. It focuses on strategies, tactics, and initiatives aimed at driving expansion, increasing revenue, and maximizing opportunities for development.

What country does the word teenager originate from?

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Asked by Wiki User

It originated from a mixture of Old Norse, Old English and Middle-American.

The exact evolution of the word is as follows:

  • Tjōn = Old Norse for "teen"
  • Tēona = Old English for "teen"
  • Tene = Middle English for "teen"
  • Teen = Modern English
  • Teen Aged = Middle-American phrase
  • Teenager = Modern American

Ironically, around 1000 AD, the word "teen" actually meant "suffering" or "grief". So someone who is teenage is at the "grief age".

How do you say thank-you in Brazil?

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Asked by Wiki User

In Brazil, you can say "obrigado" if you are male, or "obrigada" if you are female, to say thank you.

What can be a sentence with ardor?

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Asked by Wiki User

She spoke about her passion for the environment with such ardor that it inspired others to take action.