Tag Archives: origins of words

Word Origins

Posted on November 15, 2017 by ramblesofawriter

In response to an overwhelming lack of demand for another posting on the origins of words and phrases, I proudly bring you the following. In days of yore, before many things had been thought through as well as they might … Continue reading →

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Getting to the Bottom of it

Posted on November 29, 2016 by ramblesofawriter

  It’s been way too long since we looked at the origin of a well known word or phrase, so to make up for it I’m providing my readers with two for the price of one today – and we’re looking … Continue reading →

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Word Origins

Posted on September 2, 2014 by ramblesofawriter

With excitement mounting over the forthcoming Ryder Cup tournament (okay, I’m not  interested in golf either, but I promise you it is a major event on the sporting calendar) today’s tale relates to that ancient game (with, because it’s almost … Continue reading →

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Origins of Words and Phrases

Posted on May 14, 2014 by ramblesofawriter

Yes, it’s back. Quite contrary to popular demand, my occasional little look at where some of the words and sayings we use in everyday life come from – which means that we return once more to the olden days.   … Continue reading →

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Word Origins

Posted on February 11, 2014 by ramblesofawriter

Michael Portillo’s Great British Railway Journeys is proving to be a rich mine of information on the origin of old words and phrases (and always 100% accurate!) Today we have a term that’s perhaps not used as much as it … Continue reading →

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Origins of Words

Posted on February 3, 2014 by ramblesofawriter

Today’s offering is yet another one lifted from Great British Railway Journeys and features two brilliant Victorian inventors and innovators whose biographies I happen to have read can recommend to anyone. They are Humphrey Davy of Davy Lamp fame (and … Continue reading →

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Origins of Words and Phrases

Posted on January 21, 2014 by ramblesofawriter

Regular viewer’s of Michael Portillo’s excellent Great British Railway Journeys may already be familiar with today’s offering – because that’s where I’ve stolen it from. Around 1617 (which is just after quarter-past four by my calculations – quite how they … Continue reading →

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Origins of Words & Sayings

Posted on December 23, 2013 by ramblesofawriter

As a special Christmas treat, a double helping of origins today! Both come from the excellent BBC programme Tudor Monastery Farm.   The first is actually pretty obvious, I suppose. In Ye Olde Tudor Times, drinking vessels were known as … Continue reading →

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Origins of words and phrases

Posted on July 27, 2013 by ramblesofawriter

There is a very specific reason for turning back to ye olde days in order to look at today’s word.             We often see the word “ye” in old writings, and it’s been preserved in … Continue reading →

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Origin of Words and Phrases

Posted on May 23, 2013 by ramblesofawriter

This is a word you don’t tend to hear much these days, but I happened to come across its origin on a TV quiz yesterday so I thought I’d throw it in anyway. There was a type of apple that … Continue reading →

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