I am what many call a "word nerd." I find etymology and word roots endlessly fascinating. Before spelling any word in my elementary school spelling bee, I would always ask the origin just out of curiosity. To me, words are far more than a composition of letters and far more than a way of telling a story. Words themselves have their own secret stories and mini histories.
Below is a list of some FABULOUS words and their origins to help you, too, discover the wonder of words.
1. Compassion (noun)
Definition: sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it
This is definitely my ALL time favorite word and word origin. It comes from the Latin com- meaning “together” and pati- meaning “to endure.” After all, at its core isn't compassion really just enduring the tough times together?
2. Nice (adjective)
Definition: good and enjoyable; kind, polite, and friendly
Although nice generally has a positive association, the word itself ironically comes from the Latin nescius meaning “ignorant.” Perhaps being "nice" was initially thought to be the ignorant choice. (Hey Darwin is that you?)
3. Lunatic (adjective)
Definition: affected with lunacy or insanity
The word lunatic comes from the Latin word for moon, “luna.” This is because it was commonly believed that mood swings and insanity were directly caused by the moon and its phases.
4. Bibliophile (noun)
Definition: lover of books especially for qualities of format; a book collector
Bibliophile comes from the Greek biblio- meaning book, and philo- meaning friend. From the point of view of a true bibliophile, I can heartily say that some of my best friends are actually in fact books.
5. Biscuit (noun)
Definition: small, light roll that is eaten as part of a meal
The word biscuit comes from French bescuit and the Italian biscotto literally translated as “twice cooked.” Interestingly (and obviously), both the French biscuit and Italian biscotti are made by baking the dough two separate times. Who would have guessed?
6. Daisy (noun)
Definition: leafy-stemmed perennial herb (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) with long white ray flowers with a yellow center — called also oxeye daisy
The name of this classic flower originated from the old English daesaege meaning “day’s eye.” This is due to the fact that the petals of a daisy open to reveal the yellow “eye” only during the day, and close for night.
7. Utopia (noun)
Definition: place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government and social conditions; an imaginary place in which the government, laws and social conditions are perfect
Utopia comes from the Ancient Greek ou- for “not” and topos- for “place.” This is because although living in a perfect utopia would be great, it does not in fact exist. A utopia is really “no place” because it is nowhere.
8. Prom (noun)
Definition: a formal dance given by a high school or college class
As one of the most iconic nights of American culture, prom is one event that most of us will never forget (no matter how hard we try.) Prom is actually short for the English promenade or the formal parading of guests at a party. Customarily, the promenade was usually a way to show off young women to the male public... I know right?!
9. Sarcasm (noun)
Definition: a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual
Sarcasm comes from the Greek sarkazien meanjng "tearing flesh." You all have that one friend (maybe YOU are that friend) who is super sarcastic. You can't say two words without them adding a snide comment. At times, their humor could even be as viscous as "tearing flesh."
