The study of word origins is called etymology (not to be confused with entomology, the study of insects) and is one of the best reasons to study Latin and Greek. So many words come from those two languages and often their final pronunciations and meanings evolve in fascinating ways, so let’s get started. All my research comes from etymonline.com, the best online etymology dictionary I’ve been able to find, or the Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins.

1. Jellyfish

Which came first, the jelly or the fish? In this case, it’s actually the jelly! Originally from the Latin gelare, “to freeze,” it got a bit confused in Old French when gelee meant both “a jelly” and “a frost.” In English, jelly at this time (14th century) meant a "semisolid substance from animal or vegetable material, spiced and used in cooking; chopped meat or fish served in such a jelly.” It wasn’t until the 16th century when our current understanding of jelly, as a Jell-O-like dessert, came to be.

2. Halcyon

The word halcyon, meaning idyllically peaceful, was inspired by the Greek alkuon, or kingfisher, because of the way it appeared to nest and lay its eggs on top of the sea, as though it charmed the water into peace. Additionally, halcyon days originally referred to the 14 days of calm seas during which the kingfisher would breed.

3. Carnival

The word carnival extended from the Catholic religious observance of Lent, a period of meat-free fasting. The carnival refers to the week before Lent, filled with festivities and a lot of eating, so the word itself is built from the Latin words caro, “flesh,” and levare, “to put away,” as everyone was having fun for the purpose of not eating meat for approximately 40 days until Easter.

4. Janitor

Janitor, an exclusively American word for caretaker/custodian, originated from the Latin junua, “door,” which itself stemmed from the ancient Italic deity Janus, doorkeeper of heaven and guardian of doors and gates. He depicted as having two faces, one in front and one in back, to keep watch over all his surroundings. So respect your local janitors, because not only are they descended from a god but they can also see everything.

5. Pamper

In the 14th century, "pamper" meant “to cram with food,” coming from the Middle Dutch pampfen, “cram, gorge.” The meaning “to overindulge” only evolved in the 1520s, and possibly connects to the idea of the way to a person’s heart being through their stomachs.