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Oscar

Why are the Oscars named Oscars?

Who was this Oscar guy? You’ll be surprised :-)

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75 Comments and 11 threads

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  1. I have womans lingerie named after me. Most of the time they are made of silk :grin:

  2. Hello there.
    It’s Sérgio again from Brazil. I was watching an adult movie and I came up with this expressio: She is going commando.
    Please, teacher. Could you tell us what that means?
    Love you.

  3. protac6 says: 57

    Speaking of Oscars, did you watch Batman yet? I heard it was good. :shock:

  4. Marina,

    Great hair in this one, Marina. Cool shape and color–je l’adore mais je t’adore plus.

    lostforwords

  5. sichef69 says: 55

    Hi Marina – I knew this one. I’m into origins of words so your site is my cup of tea.
    Luv it

  6. bad doggie says: 53

    Emmy, Grammy, Cleo come to mind as well as Golden Globes when viewing your vids,,,, Oh, in Korea they have this sparkling burgundy that is named Oscars. Good Stuff Maynard :!: :!: :!:

  7. mrzruk says: 52

    How many languages do you speak?

  8. mrzruk says: 51

    Dear Marina,
    For the Oscars homework I chose the Nobel Price named after a Norvegian man called: Alfred Nobel.
    Even if it’s a price does it still count as an award too.
    Yours Truly.

  9. chrisby280 says: 50

    As you probably know, it’s curently Lent, which ends on Easter Sunday. Traditionally, (and for a reason unknown to me) we celebrate a giant rabbit that hides eggs and goodies for little children. I was wondering if you could find the origin of the Easter Bunny in honor of the upcoming holiday. Also, could you find the link that ties this massive egg hiding rabbit to the resurection of Jesus Christ? I’m really curious to find out where we got this odd tradition.

    Your newly devoted fan,
    Chrisby280

  10. klusmanp says: 49

    Lindy Hop:

    The first form of swing dancing that developed in this country around the 1920s is called the “Lindy Hop” and was named after the famous aviator Charles Lindburg and his flight (or hop) across the Atlantic.

    Subsequent forms of swing dance are known as jitterbug (also called east coast swing) and west coast swing. Today you can ask a dancer if he or she knows how to do the original form of swing by asking them if they know how to Lindy.

  11. Hola Marina,

    Te ves hermosa vestida de negro.

    Besos,

    Tu alumno No. 1

  12. Reinfield says: 47

    Hi Marina,

    Really enjoy the show.

    A word I’ve always liked the sound of is contiguous

  13. anubis says: 46

    Hi Marina,
    I’m a apatheist and was wondering the orgin of the words catholic and jewish?

    Also, I loved you video and find your lessons very informative, captivating and entertaining. Yes, i’m an addict :) Anyway, thank you for your hard work and dedication. :cool:

  14. bytheway says: 45

    Graffiti…it will be very interesting lesson…

  15. kyleC says: 44

    Hi Marina:

    I know that many of the planets in our solar system are named after gods in mythology, ie (Mars, Neptune). But where does the word Earth come from?

  16. ken says: 43

    Hugo Award – for Hugo Gernsback – Awarded to the year’s best Science Fiction works.

  17. shane says: 42

    Marina,

    I was wondering about the evolution of the word grotesque.

    I think that it is derived from a french or italian phrase meaning ‘in the grotto style’ or grotto esque. I think this has something to do with a work of art containing things like animals, etc.

    So how did this word evolve in english to mean something disgusting?

    Thank you!

    Shane

  18. labbatt78 says: 41

    :smile: It’s very simple, Oscar is Margaret Herrick’s Uncle. It’s name the Oscars because the award look like Uncle Oscar himself. That is all I’ve got to say about that! :smile:

  19. one more thing marina if you can. can you do one about kareoki
    and were did it first come from lol! :grin: :wink: bye for now “mmmmmmuuuuuaaaaaaahhhhh”

  20. hey marina!
    just wanted to let you know that there’s another award called the tony
    award, and i think its named after a person! :wink:

  21. nazmo says: 37

    I have an interesting word for you, helicopter. I think you will like this one ;)

  22. ledo road says: 36

    Don’t know if this is necessarily an object named after someone, but it is a term often used to describe some kind of scam or dicey business transaction: “Ponzi Scheme.”

  23. salem smith says: 35

    :mrgreen: oscar? how about that! nice outfit marina.

    love

    salem

  24. tryant says: 34

    Off topic but curious nonetheless;;Why aren’t You in the movies yet Marina? Are the talent scouts sitting around waiting for the pop? You know,,,the ‘pop’ sound their thumb makes when it comes out their butt!! Sorry,that’s kind of vulgar I suppose..

    I do think You would make a really kickass action hero though! Maybe team-up with Angelina Jolie and do a Tomb Raider Two-fer-one thriller killer flick!!

  25. I’ve found that most people think that the Nobel Prize used to eb the Noble Prize, but someone made a typo and it stuck. Of course the really origin of the name was Alfred Nobel. He created one of the most devastating weapons in the world, and he believed that he needed to create an honor to those that made peace rather than war to start to repent his ’sin’.

  26. we should not forget the Tony (Toni?) awards…are they named after someone?

    A word request…Torus, and any of its offshoots like torpedo, tornado and torso to quickly name a scant few.

    Thanks and PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE keep it going this is my latest drug haha!

  27. jsmooth5atl says: 31

    Thanks for the report card Marina and I promise to give you a apple with no worms in it :mrgreen:

  28. mrtubbybear says: 30

    Where does the term ‘The full enchilada’ come from?

  29. mrtubbybear says: 29

    I have accumulated all words from Pink onwards through iTunes. Will you be able to publish the prior words as a catch up?

  30. matalexwolf says: 28

    Hey Marina,
    How are you? Could you help my God Children and I find the origin of the word, ‘Cockroach’ please? Isn’t ”Cock’ from maybe Spain and means for Bird – Isn’t Roach’ named after a fish! The last cockroach I saw was neither a Bird nor a Fish, just some big bug in a hurry! Quite tasty too, full of protien, a bit like Chicken! Try deap fried, dipped in some sweet chilli sauce. Absolutly delicious )

    Anyhoo, I can only assume ‘cockroach’ is put together for linguistic convenience. The Pupils couldn’t grasp the concept of Birds and Fishes hanging out together!…..flying fishes, maybe?? But not Bugs!

    ….and just a thought, how about ”Ladybird’? -again, no lady or bird!!!!! Just another bug!

    Thanx again, great vid as ever, 5*
    Mat

  31. Teacher! Teacher! Please contrast the meaning of Freedom with the meaning of Democracy! They are often used interchangeably by politicians and the press, yet they are very different! I’m so confused…

    When are you going to offer degrees? I desire a Masters in Debating!I’d bring you an apple…and be your pet! When it comes to communicating…I talk softly…and carry a big stick…

    You have the BIGGEST WQRDS! I have a very long…word! Oh teacher! I was very bad during class! I guess I’ll have to stay after for detention! Then I can show you how bad I am…:twisted:

  32. sesketh says: 26

    Hi, you are great Marina.

    Educating the world is such a good cause.
    Keep up the good work.

    And I would like your research on the word: dagnabbit. Just while it is such a funny word.

    Greetings from the Netherlands.
    Sesketh.

  33. frankk says: 25

    Hi Marina…..what about the other awards….GRAMMY….AND TONY…….

    Really enjoy your site…..you make my heart sing……

  34. bcampolieto says: 24

    What is the origin of the word: GOLF

  35. How about the term derivative? As a math major, I always wondered how that word came about. Integrals I think I know, but derivative besides the term derive…thanks

  36. 38special says: 22

    Dear Hot for Words,
    As a lawyer, I’ve noticed the dual meaning associated with the word
    ” sanction “. E.G. :
    -The judge sanctioned the attorney for submitting his papers late, meaning he issued a fine because of the disapproval of the tardiness.

    or

    – The judge sanctioned the agreement among the parties, meaning he approved of it.

    Believe it or not, some lawyers have taken opposite meanins from decisions in which a judge has inartfully used the word “sanction” in a context where it could be interperted as having either meaning !
    I would be interested in your comments.
    Best regards,
    38Special

  37. I was wondering if you could research the word “Crutches”.

  38. Hi Marina!
    I’m quiet curious why passion fruit names like that? I was looking for origin of this word in internet, but still don’t have clue where is the name came from. Is it kind of love-drug? Maybe it’s linked with some christian holiday or just it’s so good that you tase it with passion? If you could help me, i would be very appreciative.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    In other case, i just watched your video about polka dots, it was very funny to hear how you pronauce word “polka”. My mother language is Polish and i’m almost sure that you are from Czech, Slovakia or Ukraine or atleast ahve some roots from this region countries, aren’t you? ;]
    THX & BB

  39. drjcl says: 19

    Marina,

    What is the origin of “EAT YOUR HEART OUT”??

    Thank you,

    DrJCL

  40. niceontguy says: 18

    Where did the holidays St Patricks’s Day and Good Friday come from :) Thank you for my report card xoxo

  41. prospero811 says: 17

    Hi Marina,

    Great lesson and you looked stunning, as always.

    The homework assignment was to list other words that are named after people. Here are some:

    The word “dunce” is named after John Duns Scotus. His opinions were on religion and philosophy were scorned and those who followed his opinions were given various iterations of the label “dunce.”

    A “spoonerism” (like “a well boiled icicle/well oiled bicycle” or “a blushing crow/a crushing blow” or “flutter by/butterfly”) is named after William Spooner.

    A recent one is a “Lewinsky.” I’ve heard that used on television to describe a certain act famously, though certainly not originally, performed by a woman of the same name upon a recent President.

    “Bloomers” were named after Amelia Bloomer.

    A “Mickey” is named after a bar owner named “Mickey Finn.”

    “Lynch” is named after Charles Lynch, in the 18th century who headed vigilantes against the British.

    “Shrapnel” in bombs and grenades is named after a General Shrapnel, who invented the nasty stuff.

    “Bloody Mary” was named after Queen Mary.

    “Draconian” is named after an ancient Greek named “Draco” who was famous for his draconianism.

    “Boycotts” originated with Charles Boycott.

    “Chauvinism” began with Nicolas Chauvin.

    A literary one is “bowdlerize” which means to delete dirty or offensive words from writing (Thomas Bowdler).

    “Guillotine” was for John Guillotine who supposedly invented the head-chopping device.

    I found an extensive list of eponyms here: http://www.alphadictionary.com/articles/eponyms/index.html. I had no idea that there were so many, and some words are really surprising: ammonia…axel…zany…tarmac…tsar…

  42. Marina

    In the weight lifting field there are severl awards dealing with pioneers in that field such as Mr. atlas Mr. schwarzenegger and many more.

    Thanks Red

  43. particle42 says: 15

    Nice lesson, Oscar is not what i thought it was

  44. iblis420 says: 14

    Just wanted to get this out of the way and say I’m a big fan of your videos, they’re always informative and pleasantly cheeky at times. That being said, I was hoping you might consider the word symbiotic. I know the meaning (I think) but I’d be interested in its origin. Hope you’ve had a great day, keep the vids coming!!! :lol:

  45. nighteye says: 13

    Well, there is the Nobel prize, named after Alfred Nobel.

    Now, for a request: I recently noticed that there is only one letter difference between aesthetic and anesthetic. So I wonder, what does beauty have to do with knocking people unconscious?

  46. hitman says: 12

    César du cinéma are the “oscars” of France and are named like that because of César Baldaccini and important French sculptor who created the trophy for that event

  47. tiasson says: 11

    Request:

    In Spain, the Spanish Academy Awards are called “Goya”.

    It’s because of Francisco de Goya, a really famous spanish painter

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_Goya

    Well, greetings for the show.

    Tiasson.

  48. plandh says: 10

    Word Request: Smithereens

    I was just wondering if you, by chance, know how the word “smithereens,” meaning “small pieces,” came about?

    As in, “the building was blown to smithereens,” or, “the plate was shattered into smithereens,” etc.

  49. So Uncle Oscar lives in perpetuity because he stood naked with a big sword. :cool: If I had a big sword, I’d give it a shot. :lol:
    Homework.
    We’ve all eaten (at least your American students) a “sloppy joe”. Who’s Joe? Is he always sloppy? If he shows up at a tonier party is he an “Untidy Joeseph”? And does he taste better?

  50. Jonathan XX says: 8

    all you have to do is visit Australia and go to Homebush, like every street or avenue is named after a famous athlete…or something like that!

    anyway awesome video, I just discovered your youtube channel a week ago and I’m hooked!!!

    WORD REQUEST!!!
    can you find out about ‘rock’ as in the genre of music, because its my fave. genre and I’ve never thought about where words came from til now, so that’d be awesome!!!

    Thanks :smile:

  51. I would like for you to research amourous did it come from the french amore for love or does it have other origens and I just watched oxymoron is that the same origen as morose (Very sad) having a dull outlook? also how did vampire go from a green spectre/ghost on the battlefeild to a humanoid monster like dracula and lestat also anotheer one because of your accent why did prussia drop the p and become just simply russia and why do the locals call germany deucthland which is perefctly pronounceable by englishspeaking people and does holland have roots in germany(The people from holland are called dutch are people from germany also called dutch? and on youtube there is a responce to your video about america/amerigo also where did lesbian come from and why did bitch go from female dog to its current conotation of bad woman and also where did the word connotation come from and why did the spelling of demon go from deamon to demon and why did vampyr become vampire.Also just out of curiosity do you ever go to yahoo answers and another out of curiosity where did yahoo (the word) come from does it have anything to do with yayhoo the word for simpleton. or yoohoo (the fake chocolate milk)Also where did digital come from and why is conquer not spelled concer or conker and why is is pronounced damn near the same as concur which means agree when it means destroy for lack of agreement.And are quit and quite and quiet related?And also could you notate in the title if you show cleavage so I will know weither to scrool down so that my parents wont think I’m just watching you for the boobs(Which are nice by the way)(Look up that word too why is breast synonimous with simpleton)And why does totaled mean destroyed if talking about a car?And where does exclamation come from and why did it replace ejaculation and why did ejaculation come to mean an expultion of semen.And where di the word vagina come from and why did people stop using the word phallus and start using penis and when did the word cunt become offencive?Because it is just another word for vagina in england and why is it england and not angland when supposedly the word enland came from “the land of anglo saxxons”?And why is it england and not brittania anymore?And where did the phrase green with envy come from di some people actually think that you turned green if you were envious.

  52. cdawg says: 6

    Can you tell me where the word “lingerie” comes from. Or, if possible, what about “french maid”?

  53. I would like to know the Origin of the middle finger….

    From what i’ve researched it came from archers from french brit war , showed off their middle finger to taunt because the french use to cut off the middle finger of the brit archers because thats what they use to shoot arrows their pointing and middle finger…

    can you tell me if thats true?

  54. BillyB says: 3

    I Like the Darwin Awards, interesting take on culling the herd. Being a Canadian I grew up watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs, for us the ultimate prize, although there was some satisfaction when Team Canada beat the Russian team 1972, yeah Paul Henderson.What no Henderson Trophy?
    How about a “Marina”, Statuette for your best Philogy student, (with optional outfits & assesories). :roll:
    Thanx for making another captivating video and again you didn’t disappoint :smile:

  55. boheman says: 2

    guys
    peeping tom
    berserk

  56. tricovictus says: 1

    well, The goverment in Mexico some time a go launch a campaing ( i¨m not sure this write like i did it) promoving the pay of Tax, and call the tresure managemet as Lolita, so when some one in Mexico said: “Lolita is watching over you” you have a taxes problem. As well, the teddy bear, i think cames from the USA president Roossevelt. I hope you understand me, i’m still learning english. :oops:

Author: HotForWords

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