Why is the Brain Called Brain
Anatoly Liberman looks at the origin of the word “brain.”
Dildo: Back and Forth on a Cold Spoor of an Obscenity
Anatoly Liberman looks at the origin of the word “dildo.”
A Flourish of Strumpets
A closer look at strumpets.
Monthly Gleanings: January 2007
Anatoly’s monthly gleanings.
Cheek by jow
English is a language of limitless opportunities. Strange things happen in it. Some words are spelled alike but pronounced differently: ‘bow’ (the bow of a ship) and ‘bow’ (bow and arrows); ‘row’ (she kicked up a row) and ‘row’ (the front row); ‘permit’ (the verb) and ‘permit’ (the noun).
Garner’s Usage Tip of the Day: Flaunt v. Flout
Garner’s usage tips.
In Jeopardy, Or, The Oddest English Spellings
(Part 6)
Anatoly Liberman’s weekly column. The Oddest English Spellings Part Six.
An Etymologist’s Junket to the Countryside
Anatoly Liberman’s weekly column.
OED updates
A closer look at the most recent OED update.
Between Troll and Trollop
Anatoly Liberman looks at the many meanings of the word “troll.”
Monthly Gleanings: December 2006
Anatoly Liberman’s Monthly Gleanings.
Kissing and Dying Under the Mistletoe, With The Holly Thrown in for Good Measure
Anatoly Liberman weekly column.
Monthly Gleanings: November, 2006
Anatoly Liberman answers some questions readers have submitted.
Etymological folklore
or: a few subdued thoughts on hullabaloo
Superstitions, unlike knowledge, spread quickly. Students’ spelling breaks every instructor’s heart, and we ask ourselves the question: How did so many people from all over the country, come to the unanimous conclusion that occurrence should be spelled occurance? It is, I believe, a huge conspiracy.
James A. H. Murray At First Hand
Anatoly Liberman’s weekly column.
Carbon Neutral: Oxford Word of the Year
The Oxford word of the year is…