An Etymologist As Lord of the Flies,
Or, Chicanery and Shenanigans All Over the Place
Anatoly looks at the origin of the word “chicanery.”
Helpmeet, Or Can Stillborn Words Prosper?
Anatoly Liberman looks at the story on the word “helpmeet.”
Etymology and Scandal
In the course of this month, two journalists have approached me with questions related to political scandals. My answers, neither of which has been printed in full, may perhaps interest the readers of our blog. They regarded the typicality of phrases such as Ponzi schemes, and using names as verbs.
Jolly Yule
Anatoly’s post has seasonal cheer.
What is Gibberish to One is an Etymology to Another
Anatoly Liberman looks at the origins of the word “gibberish”.
As Etymologists You Depend on Look-Alikes? Cool!
Anatoly Liberman looks at the origins of words that look-alike.
Conundrum: A Cold Spoor Warmed Up
Anatoly looks at the possible origins of the word “conundrum”.
Monthly Gleanings: November 2008
Anatoly’s November gleanings.
A Plug-Ugly Relaxes And Plays Hookey, Or,
An Unnoticed Dutch Invasion
Anatoly Liberman looks into the Dutch origins of words.
On Hobos, Hautboys, and Other Beaus
Anatoly explains why it is hard to find the origins of the word “hobo”.
Monthly Gleanings: October 2008, Part Two
Hello. In connection a previous post, I received two questions about the word ‘hello’. The first concerned the repertory of h-interjections in the languages of the world. In 1924 Ernst Schwentner brought out a booklet titled ‘The Primary Interjections in the Indo-European Languages’ (in German).
Monthly Gleanings: October 2008, Part One
Anatoly Liberman answers questions based on last month’s posts.
An Obscure College Professor Visits a Small Animal Farm
Anatoly looks at features of Indo-European languages.
To Be Or To Not Be, Or,
The Causes of Language Change
Anatoly Liberman looks at the use of the split infinitive.
The Tenant’s Dilemma, or,
When Did People Begin to Say They for “He (Or She)”?
Anatoly Liberman relates his adventures with plurals.
Hello, Hello!
Anatoly Liberman looks at the word “hello”.