Note: This is an excerpt from my forthcoming book Words from Hell: Unearthing the darkest secrets of English etymology (Chambers, 2023). In honor of International Talk Like a Pirate Day, let's explore the origins of a few piratey terms—albeit fictional ones, in many cases. Many of the terms and phrases we associate with pirates were not recorded… Continue reading Avast! 6 Swashbuckling Word Origins for International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Eggcorns and malapropisms: These are both terms for vocabulary faux pas — essentially an incorrect word that sounds similar to the intended word. But each of these terms involves a distinguishing factor that sets it apart. Malapropisms With malapropisms, the mistaken word is blatantly incorrect, it doesn't sense in context, and it’s funny or absurd… Continue reading Not Quite What You Meant: The Difference Between Eggcorns and Malapropisms
Useless Etymology 