Ever wonder how Chaucer invented April Fools’ Day and how a Boston University professor pranked the entire country?
Category: Etymologies and Definitions
Etymology of ‘Sperm Whale’
Ever wonder how sperm whales got their unfortunate name? And what about Moby Dick? Well, it’s exactly what you think…
Etymology of ‘Mamase Mamasa Mamakusa’
What do the Michael Jackson lyrics “mamase mamasa mamakusa” and Cameroonian jazz have to do with each other? Not much except a song called “Soul Makossa”.
How to Pronounce ‘#’
Have you ever wondered how to pronounce ‘#’? Whether you say ‘pound sign’, number sign’, ‘hashtag’ or ‘octothorpe’ the history is a wild ride!
Etymology of ‘Ampersand’ (&)
Ever wonder why the & symbol looks the way it does and why it is sometimes called the ‘ampersand’?
Defining ‘Graphic Novels’
The term ‘graphic novel’ should be simple, but sometimes it’s a bit more complicated than it seems. Me? I just say ‘comics’.
Etymology of ‘Pumpernickel’ Bread
What does pumpernickel bread (a great source of fiber) have to do with the devil, Santa Claus and flatulence? More than you’d think actually.