The goal of this website is to provide a free and reliable resource you can access whenever you come across a word or phrase and find yourself wondering, "Why do they call it that..?"
Although the science of etymology is interesting to some, let's be honest—it can be pretty dry. Attempting to decode the shorthand notations at the end of dictionary entries is not something that comes easily, and it takes a lot of the fun out of learning the history behind words and phrases.
That's one thing this website aims to remedy. Looking up the origins of common words and phrases should be quick and simple. After all, the majority of your searches are likely to stem from some nagging curiosity or perhaps a bet with a friend. There are a lot of outrageous theories out there on the origins of various names and expressions (some of which are admittedly quite creative!). As such, there will always be claims that need debunking and curiosities that need satisfying. And this is the place to do both.
I would like to stress that although the information on this site is designed to be straightforward and easily understood by non-linguists, the quality and depth of the entries have not been compromised. Please be assured that every piece of information on this site has been thoroughly researched and is accurately represented. By nature, the field of etymology is riddled with uncertainties; however, know that those uncertainties, if they exist for a certain word or phrase, will always be explicitly stated. You should never be left wondering whether the information on a particular entry is accurate or complete. It is all based on information given in the etymological sources we recognize as today's authorities in the field of lexicology and historical linguistics. (To access a list of the primary sources used in compiling this website, click here.)
Post Categories
In order to make this site more entertaining and interactive for its users, in addition to the growing searchable database of word and phrase origins already archived within, the site also provides access to a 'word-of-the-day' feature to which you can subscribe via Facebook, Twitter, email or RSS. The words or expressions featured in the daily posts are brand new to the site, so no matter how much browsing you might have done already, you'll always get something fresh with each new post.
Each 'word-of-the-day' post falls under a particular theme, unique to each day of the week, as follows:
• Monday Munchies (food & beverages)
• It Takes Twosday (doublets & cognates)
• Happy Hump Day (alcohol & drinking)
• Dirty Thursday (sex & drugs)
• Friday Phraseology (expressions/idioms)
• The Weekend Wanderer (geographical place names)
• Sunday: Reader Submissions
Entries are also categorized, when possible, by the decade during which the word or phrase was first recorded. Therefore, if a post is categorized as "1910," for example, it means that term first emerged sometime between 1910–1919. Often, more specific dates are available; however, because these dates often vary depending on the dictionary you consult, I have decided to give a range instead. If you would like to know more specifically when a particular word or phrase entered the language, please consult the sources listed at the bottom of that entry.
Finally, some words and phrases included on this website are not used in all English-speaking countries. Often times, a word will be exclusive to a particular region (e.g., U.S., Britain, Australia). In these instances, posts are also categorized according to the geographical region in which the term is used.
Finally, some words and phrases included on this website are not used in all English-speaking countries. Often times, a word will be exclusive to a particular region (e.g., U.S., Britain, Australia). In these instances, posts are also categorized according to the geographical region in which the term is used.
Submit a Word
The site also features a 'Submit a Word' form through which you can send in requests for specific words and phrases not yet included on the site that you'd like to see added or even featured as a 'word of the day.'
You can also use this form to contest existing word entries, although I ask that you please provide a link to at least one reputable source backing up your claim. While I have taken great pains to ensure the accuracy of the etymologies on this site, I don't mind hearing your dissenting opinions. Just please make sure they are founded.
A Final Note...
Both this website's archives and daily RSS posts may include words/phrases that some find obscene or offensive. Note that I do not encourage or support the use of any abusive racial or sexual epithets featured on this site. I include them for informational purposes only. A bit of discretion on your part is most certainly in order.
