The Evasive Yeoman
Oxford Etymologist, Anatoly Liberman, traces the roots of the word “yeomen.”
Seething in Etymological Vacuity (The Story of Theodolite)
Anatoly looks at the word “theodolite”.
Monthly Gleanings: April 2009
Anatoly answers questions.
The Oxford Etymologist Looks at Race, Class and Sex (but not Gender), or, Beating a Willing Horse
Anatoly investigates the origin of the word ‘race.’
On Spoons, Forks, and Knives
Anatoly deliberates the origins of the words ‘spoon,’ ‘fork,’ and ‘knife.’
No Subject is Too Petty for an Etymologist, Or, Pets from North to South
Anatoly explores the origins of the word ‘pet.’
Beating About the Gooseberry Bush
Anatoly explores the origins of the word ‘gooseberry,’ and its related phrases.
Akimbo: An Embarrassment of Riches
A word, some scholars say, can have several etymologies. This is a misleading formulation. Various factors contribute to a word’s meaning and form. All of them should be taken into account and become part of the piece of information we call etymology, because words are like human beings.
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”.
Conundrum: A Cold Spoor Warmed Up
Anatoly looks at the possible origins of the word “conundrum”.
The Haberdasher Displays His Wares and Escapes
Anatoly looks at the word “haberdasher”.
American Nicknames Part 1: Softies and Buckeye
Anatoly looks at the word “Buckeye”.
Severed Relations
Anatoly explores why some words naturally go together.
Snob Before and After Thackeray
Anatoly seeks the origin of “snob”.