On A Self-Congratulatory Note
It is Anatoly’s Anniversary!!!!
On the fight for English and John Humphrys
In David Crystal’s book ‘The Fight for English’, he assesses the debate over rights and wrongs in English usage. For example, which spelling is correct, ‘anemic’ or ‘anaemic’? Read on to find out! Here, Crystal weighs in on the debate between him and his contemporaries John Humphrys and Lynne Truss.
Monthly Gleanings: February 2007
Anatoly Liberman’s monthly gleaings.
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.
Attaboy!
Or, The Male-Intimate Affectionate Overtones Questions
Anatoly Liberman looks at the origins of the phrase “Attaboy!”