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”.
Monthly Gleanings (September 2008)
Anatoly answers questions.
Shibboleths and Traitors, or,
Death and Expulsion as Categories of Historical Phonetics
Anatoly Liberman recounts the times when phonetics were used to determine the death, expulsion or release of a group of people, and takes a closer at the development of homonyms.
Shame and Guilt: Part 2 – Guilt
Anatoly Liberman looks at guilt and shame.
Guilt Societies and Shame Societies
or, Shame and Guilt from an Etymological Point of View,
With Some Observations on Sham and Scam Thrown in for Good Measure (Part 1: Shame)
Bimonthly Gleanings (July – August 2008)
Anatoly Liberman answers questions.
Bare or Bear, or, the Story of Berserk
Anatoly Liberman looks at the word “Berserk”.
Big Problems with the Little Finger, or, A Story of Pinkie
Anatoly looks at the word “pinkie”.
The Haberdasher Displays His Wares and Escapes
Anatoly looks at the word “haberdasher”.
American Nicknames Part 2: Hoosier
Anatoly looks at the nickname “Hoosier”.