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Word and Phrase Origins

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

500 Questions

What does the Emperor mean when he asks 'What is the life of one man against those of a million others' in the Ray Bradbury story The Flying Machine?

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Asked by Wiki User

In the story "The Flying Machine" by Ray Bradbury, the Emperor's question reflects his belief that the well-being of the kingdom and its people as a whole is more important than the life of an individual. He values the stability and prosperity of his kingdom above all else, even if it means sacrificing one person for the greater good.

Who is the creator of the word novel?

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Asked by Wiki User

The word "novel" comes from the Italian word "novella," which means a "new story" or "new thing." The modern sense of the word as a form of literary fiction is credited to the novelist Daniel Defoe in the 18th century.

What does Curleys wife mean by saying OK Machine I'll talk to you later I like machines?

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Asked by Wiki User

Curley's wife's comment suggests that she finds it easier to engage with machines than with people because machines do not judge or mistreat her. It hints at the loneliness and lack of emotional connection she experiences in her marriage and on the ranch.

What does smut mean in slang?

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Asked by Wiki User

A female who has numerous sexual partners at one time.

Who coined the term Kafkaesque?

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Asked by Wiki User

The term "Kafkaesque" was coined by French existentialist writer and philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre to describe situations that are nightmarishly complex, bizarre, or illogical, reminiscent of the themes found in the works of Franz Kafka.

How does Mrs Bennet describe Charlotte?

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Asked by Wiki User

Mr. Bennet's heir is Mr. Collins.

Though Mr. Bennet has five daughters, none can be the heiress, because the estate is entailed. The entailment states that the heir has to be male. The result is that because Mr. Bennet has no son, the estate must be left to the next male in line, who is a cousin.

The entailment is not something that was automatic under English law. Estates could be left to daughters, and were, unless some owner wrote the entailment into a deed or will.

Since Rosings is not entailed, Anne de Bourgh is able to inherit the estate. Her situation provides an interesting counterpoise to that of the Bennet girls.

What does far fetched mean?

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Asked by Wiki User

"Far-fetched" means something that is unlikely or improbable, often requiring a stretch of the imagination to believe. It describes ideas or stories that are difficult to accept as being true or realistic.

How did the book 'One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest' get its name?

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Asked by Wiki User

The title "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" comes from a children's rhyme that Chief Bromden remembers from his childhood. The title is metaphorical, suggesting the idea of breaking free or rebelling against the control and hierarchy represented by the mental institution and its authoritarian figure, Nurse Ratched.

What does Stephen crane means by his metaphors of bricks and temples?

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Asked by Wiki User

Stephen Crane used the metaphor of bricks to symbolize the basic building blocks of life, while the temples represent grander aspirations or achievements. Through these metaphors, Crane suggests that success is earned by focusing on the foundational elements first before aspiring to achieve greater heights.

Which Writer coined the phrase 'cyberspace' in 1984?

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Asked by Wiki User

William Gibson coined the term "cyberspace" in his 1984 novel "Neuromancer." Gibson used the term to describe a futuristic virtual reality network accessed through computers.

What did the word dolphin originate from?

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Asked by Wiki User

The name is originally from Greek δελφίς (delphís), "dolphin", which was related to the Greek δελφύς (delphus), "womb". The animal's name can therefore be interpreted as meaning "a 'fish' with a womb".

What phrases were coined created or popularized by Shakespeare?

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Asked by Wiki User

All that glitters is not gold. ("glisters" in the original quotation)The world's my oyster. ("mine" in the original quotation)The be-all and the end-allMethinks the lady doth protest too much. (In the original, the "methinks" is at the end)Gilding the lily (In the original "to gild refined gold; to paint the lily")To be or not to be (infinitely parodied)Alas, poor Yorick.Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war.Once more into the breachBand of brothersStar-crossed loversJealousy the green-eyed monsterWhat the dickensetc. etc.(Quotations from Shakespeare normally fill up a large percentage of the pages in a book of famous quotations.)

What does the phrase 'the best laid plans Of Mice and Men often go awry' mean?

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Asked by Wiki User

This phrase, derived from a line in Robert Burns' poem, means that no matter how carefully a plan is made or how well it is thought out, things can still go wrong unexpectedly. It highlights the unpredictability of life and the fact that even the most well-thought-out plans can fail due to unforeseen circumstances.

Who was the quote the pen is mightier than the sword attributed too?

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Asked by Wiki User

The quote "The pen is mightier than the sword" is attributed to Edward Bulwer-Lytton, an English writer, and politician. It emphasizes the power of words and ideas in shaping history and making an impact.

Where did the phrase Run like the dickens originate?

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Asked by LindaLoooo

The phrase "run like the dickens" is an old colloquial expression that likely originated in 19th century England. It is thought to be a euphemism for "run like the devil," emphasizing the speed or urgency of running.

What is the word for a quote of unknown origin commonly misattributed to a well-known figure?

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Asked by Wiki User

It could be "apocryphal".

A quote incorrectly recorded is called a "misquote".

What does leaves of grass mean in literature?

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Asked by Wiki User

"Leaves of Grass" is a poetry collection by Walt Whitman. It is considered one of the most important works of American literature, celebrating democracy, nature, and the individual. The title symbolizes the diversity and interconnectedness of humanity, much like leaves on a tree.

Who is the author of the idiom the leopard doesn't change its spots?

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Asked by Wiki User

This phrase came from one of Rudyard Kipling's Twice Told Tales. These are children's stories with morals. They are all quite funny, but they do make a point that the kids remember. This one was about a leopard who took off his skin and had no spots, but still acted like a leopard and pounced on the other animals. Thus, "a leopard doesn't change its spots" means that you don't change your basic personality just by changing your appearance.

What are some examples of a run-on sentence?

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Asked by Wiki User

One example of a run-on sentence is: "I woke up late I missed the bus I had to walk to school." Another example is: "She likes to read books she often goes to the library to borrow them." Both examples consist of two or more independent clauses joined together without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions.

What does proverb 'Don't kill the goose that lays the golden egg' mean?

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Asked by Wiki User

This proverb is a warning against destroying a valuable source of income or prosperity due to greed or short-sightedness. It emphasizes the importance of protecting and nurturing what brings us success and wealth in the long term.

What is a Dickensian skinflint?

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Asked by Wiki User

A Dickensian skinflint refers to a character or person who is depicted as being extremely miserly or stingy, inspired by the works of Charles Dickens. It typically describes someone who is unwilling to spend money or is overly concerned with saving every penny, often at the expense of others.

What did Tom Sawyer pull out during class... when he was bored?

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Asked by Wiki User

Tom Sawyer pulled out a chewed-up piece of paper and pretended it was a treasure map to create some excitement during class.

Who is Larry and why is he so happy?

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Asked by Wiki User

Larry is a fictional character often used as an example of someone who is happy. The reason for Larry's happiness can vary depending on the context, but it is often to convey a sense of contentment or satisfaction in a given situation.

How do you use still in a sentence?

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Asked by Wiki User

You can use "still" to indicate that something continues to be true or exist, despite other changes or circumstances. For example, "He still hasn't finished his homework" or "She is still waiting for a response."

Where did the phrase or cliche just ducky come from and what does it mean as an answer when you ask someone how they are?

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Asked by Wiki User

The phrase "just ducky" originated in the 1920s as a slang term meaning "excellent" or "awesome." It is often used as a lighthearted response when asking someone how they are feeling or doing, suggesting that they are doing well or everything is going smoothly.